7 Smart Strategies for the Best Speech Therapy for Toddlers
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Speech therapy for toddlers is the first step to getting them the help they need in society.
As someone who benefited from speech therapy and who also just had their child in speech therapy, I can tell you that this is a very important step.
I will share my experiences, some signs you should look out for, and whether it does help with your child's speech delay.
Before we dig into the post, because everything varies from state to state, county, and city, all of this information is based on my personal experience.
But you will find much of this practical, especially regarding the results.
What is Speech Therapy for Toddlers
So, a toddler is anyone over 12 months old up to three? Sometimes, they classify toddlers who are technically preschoolers until the age of five.
But all this information is usually beneficial for children under five.
If you have not learned what I'm talking about, speech delay is how you will lead to speech therapy.
So, toddler speech delays include language and cognitive or motor delays that your pediatrician or even you have noticed in your child.
- It can be delays in feeding.
- It can also be delays in fine motor skills that they should develop once they reach 12 months. Here are examples of speech delays:
One in five children will have some developmental delay, whether speech or a physical delay or disability. So it's not uncommon for your child.
As they grow up, they will show signs of being delayed in some areas. Family factors also contribute to a speech delay.
Identifying Speech and Language Delays
Spotting the early signs of speech and language delays in toddlers can be the first crucial step toward ensuring they receive the support they need.
It's not just about waiting for those first words; it's about observing the nuances in how they communicate or fail to do so.
Perhaps your child isn't babbling as expected, or maybe they show little interest in communicating through gestures like waving goodbye or pointing.
These subtleties in behavior might indicate a need for early intervention speech therapy.
Early detection is paramount.
By identifying language delays promptly, we can engage speech therapists and early intervention programs to mitigate potential impacts on social skills and academic readiness.
Speech therapy sessions can then be tailored to address specific speech disorders, ranging from simple pronunciations to more complex expressive language issues.
Children can make remarkable progress with the proper intervention, led by experienced speech-language pathologists, reinforcing the significance of observing and acting on the first signs of speech and language delays.
The Role of Speech Therapists in Early Intervention
The experts we turn to are speech therapists, also called speech-language pathologists.
With rigorous training and certification, these healthcare professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating communication challenges and speech disorders in young children.
Their expertise is not just in helping little ones find their voice but in crafting a therapy plan that's as unique as each child they work with.
From the first evaluation process, they're by our side, guiding us through language development, articulation, and social skills enhancement.
Their toolbox is extensive, utilizing play-based activities tailored to encourage language skills and new words in engaging, child-friendly ways.
As a parent, witnessing the transformative power of speech therapy services orchestrated by these dedicated therapists is awe-inspiring.
They're the architects behind the scenes, building bridges for our toddlers' voices to cross into the world of clear communication.
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Getting Started: The Evaluation Process
One of the sources I will be referencing is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
This site provides state-level information on how to get speech therapy services in your area.
It will vary based on your county or where you live, but there are state-level resources for your child.
Depending on their age, they can even stay in until your child(ren) turns three or they test out.
So, this will also be relative if you have a child under five.
Now, let's talk about some of the causes of speech delays.
While it's not tied to anything specific, if your child falls into one of these categories, they have a higher likelihood of a speech delay.
Speech Therapy Techniques for Toddlers
Play-based activities are not just games but a cornerstone of enhancing language skills.
I've seen firsthand how a speech therapist or speech-language pathologist uses various toys and games to stimulate language development.
It's fascinating to observe how simple actions, like playing with a toy car or doll, can become powerful tools for learning new words and improving communication skills.
One technique that stands out is how therapists use expressive language games to encourage toddlers to articulate their thoughts.
It could start with something as straightforward as naming colors, advancing to more complex sentences as they progress. Receptive language activities are also critical.
These might involve following simple directions or identifying objects, which bolster understanding and processing of language.
The beauty of these play-based activities lies in their effectiveness and ability to engage children in a fun, interactive way.
It turns the daunting task of learning to communicate into an exciting adventure.
Beyond verbal expression, these sessions often incorporate oral motor skills exercises through playful actions like blowing bubbles or mimicking animal sounds, further aiding speech development.
Ultimately, the heart of toddler speech therapy is to make each session a blend of joy and learning, ensuring that as they master language milestones, they're having a blast doing it.
The Family's Role in Speech Therapy
As a parent, diving into the world of speech therapy for your toddler can feel overwhelming.
Yet, embracing our role in this journey is crucial. Our involvement doesn't just support our child's progress; it propels it.
The therapy sessions are pivotal, but reinforcing these new skills at home can turn the tide.
Consider integrating simple, play-based activities that mirror the therapist's techniques, engaging in conversation with your child using new words.
Or even turning reading time into an interactive language-building session.
These efforts at home provide a comforting space for your child to practice their burgeoning skills and signal to them the importance of what they're learning.
It's about being their cheerleader, echoing the encouragement and positivity they receive during speech therapy sessions.
By doing so, we're not just participants but active partners in nurturing our toddler's communication skills, one word at a time.
Birth Order
If your child has a speech delay, they're probably experiencing these things, too, so you know.
For example, I had a speech delay, which might lead to your child having a speech delay.
Both my son and I were firstborn children.
Youcan look at that pattern and say, okay, if I'm a firstborn child, my son's a firstborn child.
We both had speech delays. You can make a correlation in some aspects of that.
It's not proven, but that's an example of family factors and how your child might be delayed.
If other family members have delays, this can increase your child's chances of having them.
Labor & Delivery
It is often linked to family factors.
Your child's speech delay depends on how it was delivered at birth.
If you had a difficult delivery, maybe you were stressed during birth.
Or there was some trauma to your child while delivering them.
Lip & Tongue Tie
That can also lead to factors of there being a delay as well as your child having lip or tongue tie difficulties. If you find that your child:
- had to have lip and tongue tie surgery
- has issues with eating
- difficulty swallowing
- using a handle
- developing oratorical skills
That could signify that they may have a speech delay or problems as they age.
One thing that I noticed about my child is that the speech delay didn't come with communication.
It involved receptive language, which I discussed in more detail during my son's two-year-old speech journey.
Speech therapy will help your child figure out ways to have them communicate that are very effective for them. I was utterly nonverbal until I was about four years old.
My son has always been verbal.
That's an example, too, of the differences between different levels of delays in your children.
Having your child participate in speech therapy will improve their social skills, allowing them to perform better in social situations.
If your child cannot ask for water, say bless you, mommy and daddy, then you need to figure out what that situation is like and why that is so that you can get them the help you need.
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Maximizing Your Child's Communication Skills
Embarking on the journey of toddler speech therapy can be a beacon of hope for many families.
It's an integral step towards maximizing your child's communication skills and enhancing social interaction.
Whether it's the hesitation in saying the first words or the struggle with stringing sentences together, early intervention speech therapy offers a bridge to a world entire of words for our little ones.
Every step is crucial, from identifying the subtle signs of language delays to understanding the pivotal role of a speech therapist.
These dedicated professionals assess and tailor therapy sessions that align perfectly with your child's needs.
They utilize play-based activities and engagement in simple directions to make learning effective and enjoyable.
Moreover, family members' involvement can amplify the progress, making it a collective journey toward speech and language development.
But the journey doesn't end outside the therapy room. Regular practice, encouragement, and participation in recommended activities at home are key.
We can turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth, reinforcing the skills learned during therapy sessions.
It's about creating an environment where mistakes are embraced, effort is applauded, and every small step forward is celebrated.
So, as we navigate the world of toddler speech therapy, let's remember that our involvement, patience, and consistent support can shape our children's ability to express themselves.
In doing so, we gift them the wings to communicate freely, confidently, and joyfully.
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Speech Therapy Exercises for Toddlers
Along with the different types of speech therapy, your speech therapist will have your child do exercises, and trust me.
They are necessary to ensure your child hits different milestones every few months.
You see an increase in their oratorical skills as they go through the program. It's going to take a lot of work for you. It's going to take a lot of work for them.
As I mentioned, therapy for younger children will be play-based. One of the first things you'll notice is that they're playing games.
Your speech therapist will play games with your child to help them remember words and sound words out.
In the first speech therapy session, you will notice that the speech therapist will benchmark your child's communication skills.
So specific goals are starting to be made after each session.
Speech Therapy Verbal Exercises
The exercises can be as simple as playing a little goldfish game and then asking your toddler to sing the letters of the alphabet.
If they get stuck, the speech pathologist will skip over it.
Suppose their speech therapist also combines occupational therapy.
In that case, you can use the fishing game to have your child pull out the letter, sound it out, and make that word.
For example, your child might be participating in the game type of speech therapy with your speech therapist.
Your speech therapist will also have your child do some arts and crafts. Some examples of the kinds of arts and crafts they might do include:
- maybe put together a snowman for the holidays
- if it's around Christmas or Easter
- picking up a cotton ball
- putting it on a piece of paper
- using different types of plastic sticks, straws
- create different types of animals
- different kinds of shapes to help build vocabulary
Speech Therapy Arts & Crafts
Daycares also do this; occasionally, they will have your toddler do arts and crafts that they can bring home for you.
But your speech therapist, if your child seems to react better to doing arts and crafts, will also allow them to participate in arts and crafts.
The therapy sessions aim to enhance your child's abilities, so you will also notice that they ask you to do vocal exercises.
Depending on your child's age, the speech therapist will tell you what you need to repeat to your child and what oral motor skills you need to work on with your child(ren).
For example, if your child has difficulty answering questions or using receptive language, one vocal exercise you could do with them is giving them either-or statements.
In-Home Speech Therapy
Your speech therapy that your speech therapist will be working with them in session and at home. Your therapist that you would say something like:
Do you want a cup or a plate? Asking your child to vocalize what they want will be challenging.
The more you do these vocal exercises, the more your toddler feels confident responding and builds up that speaking muscle.
Those are just some common examples of activities you will be doing.
Please note that you, as the parent, must follow up on everything your toddler does in speech therapy at home.
So, if the speech therapist gives you specific instructions on things you must do with them, you must follow up at home.
This is part of the parent training that you also get to help with your child's development.
And the speech therapist, if they're good, will be able to tell if you're following up on those exercises or if you're just not doing anything with them because they will be meeting with your child regularly.
When Special Education is Needed
Suppose your pediatric speech therapist doesn't see any improvement based on your conversation with them.
They might suggest putting your child in special programs. In that case, they can tell if you're helping to move the needle or not doing anything.
If you have services with the state will let you know how your child is doing, and they have different milestones.
When evaluating your child, see if they can stay in the early intervention speech therapy program.
Or if you need to transfer to the local school district due to age. Based on my experience, it would be every 6 to 12 months.
Suppose you were to ask me if speech therapy was effective.
No. Just a year and a half later, my son has been in speech therapy.
He is saying complete sentences and is much more confident with answering questions.
For three, he is not where a three-year-old should be.
But he is much closer than he would have been had we not invested in getting him speech therapy.
Final thoughts on getting speech therapy for toddlers.
We had the serves of work in tandem for the days that we knew he would need extra speech therapy assistance.
Now, we use state-level speech therapy and a private practice speech therapist.
Just because your child can test into an early intervention or early childhood program in your state does not mean you have to enroll in that program.
That is also a decision you and your family can make.
I recommend that anybody who sees the signs their child might struggle to get It looked into as soon as possible.
When it comes to your child's health, you must take a proactive approach.
All the testing for these services should be FREE.
So you don't have to worry about it at the state level.
Are they going to charge me to test my child? The answer is no. It should be free.
Now, as far as coming into the program and then having to pay for services, that depends.
Sometimes, you can pay for it through your insurance coverage, and sometimes, you won't.
Personal Experience of Getting Toddler Tested For Speech Therapy
But your child's initial testing should be free. You can always contact your insurance providers to discuss your options.
If you are looking for ways to understand 2 Year Old Speech, this is a great resource.
I have also written another blog post about my personal experiences with speech delays for my child and my experience.
I made an entire playlist of child development.
Along with my different parenting experiences these past few years on my Youtube channel. You can check it out below, and remember to subscribe.
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