If your child has a communication disorder, you maybe wondering if it will go away on its own, the “wait and see” approach. Experts agree, early intervention can reverse or prevent communication disorders.
If your child is having a difficult time understanding or communicating with others, it is important consult with a speech therapist. Early intervention can address the needs of your child and give them the confidence to express themselves freely.
Speech therapy provides a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your child. Enabling them to reach their communication milestones and create a strong foundation for future development and success.
“Wait And See” Approach
“Too many people take a “wait and see” approach when it comes to a communication disorder, hoping that the issue will resolve itself with time. This plan may be reinforced by family, friends, or other well-meaning individuals. However, delaying treatment can result in a missed opportunity to not only more easily and effectively treat a disorder but also to undergo a shorter and less expensive course of treatment. In children, treatment delay may have profound effects. It can impact overall development during the critical early years. This can affect social skills, later academic success, and future vocational choices.” According to the American speech language hearing Association.
What Age Should A Child Start Speech Therapy?
While there isn’t a minimum age to begin speech therapy, if you feel your child has a communication issue, early intervention is essential.
Many speech issues are noticeable around 18 to 24 months old. The typical age for a child to start therapy is approximately one to three years old. But younger children can also benefit.
“If parents notice that their child isn’t demonstrating particular groups of skills, that’s a signal that the child may benefit from an evaluation by an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. We encourage families to seek help right away if they’re at all concerned about their child’s development. Ideally, intervention will occur when the brain is most flexible—which is between birth and 3 years. However, it’s never too late for children to benefit from audiology or speech-language pathology services.”
The goal of speech and language therapy is to help your child by supporting their development, address any areas of concern, build their strengths and confidence.
If you suspect your child may have a speech or language disorder, take the first step. Contact First Words Speech Therapy, we provide a comprehensive evaluation for a variety of speech, language, and occupational needs. We are dedicated to providing personalized care to meet your child’s speech and language needs.
