As parents, we all want our children to thrive and excel in every aspect of their lives. Language and communication skills are some of the most important skills that our children need to develop to succeed in school and in life. Unfortunately, not all children develop these skills at the same pace, and some may struggle with communication and language development. Therefore, parents may be asking themselves “Does My Child Need Speech Therapy?” Consider these questions to understand some common signs that your child may benefit from speech therapy. Then, contact us to learn more or schedule a free screening.
Is My Child Reaching Age-Related Language Milestones?
One of the most common signs that your child may need speech therapy is if they are not reaching age-appropriate language milestones.
For example, if your child is not speaking their first words by the time they are 12 months old, or if they are not using two-word phrases by the time they are 24 months old, it may be time to consider speech therapy.
Read this blog post to learn more about age-appropriate speech and language milestones.
Does My Child Have Difficulty Organizing His or Her Thoughts When Communicating?
Another sign that your child may need speech therapy is if they have difficulty organizing their thoughts when communicating. This may manifest as difficulty telling stories in a logical sequence, or using complex sentences to express themselves. Children who struggle with these skills may benefit from speech therapy to help them develop the skills necessary to express themselves clearly and effectively.
Does Your Child Shy Away From Social Situations With Other Kids?
Children who struggle with communication skills may also shy away from social situations with other kids. This can be because they are worried about being misunderstood or because they are not confident in their ability to communicate effectively. Speech therapy can help children develop the skills they need to feel more confident in social situations and to communicate effectively with their peers.
Does Your Child Maintain Poor Eye Contact?
Another sign that your child may need speech therapy is if they maintain poor eye contact when communicating with others. Eye contact is an important aspect of communication, and children who struggle with this skill may benefit from speech therapy to help them develop the ability to make and maintain eye contact when communicating.
Does my Child Have Poor Reading Comprehension Skills?
Children who struggle with language and communication skills may also have difficulty understanding what they read. This can make it difficult for them to succeed in school and to develop a love of reading. Speech therapy can help children develop the skills they need to understand and interpret written language effectively.
Do Others Have Difficulty Understanding What Your Child Says?
Finally, if others have difficulty understanding what your child is saying, this may be a sign that they need speech therapy. Children who struggle with articulation or pronunciation may benefit from speech therapy to help them develop the skills they need to communicate clearly and effectively.
Schedule a Free Screening to Determine if Your Child Needs Speech Therapy
In conclusion, if you notice any of these signs in your child, it may be time to consider speech therapy. Speech therapy can help children develop the skills they need to communicate effectively, to feel more confident in social situations, and to succeed in school and in life. If you have any concerns about your child’s language and communication skills, don’t hesitate to request a free screening to determine if a full evaluation is necessary.
