As a therapy provider, I know how important it is for you to have the resources and support you need to encourage speech-language development at home.
Check out some of my favorite resources below and the answers to a few common questions:
What is a speech-language pathologist and what do they do?
A speech-language pathologist (interchangeable with the term speech therapist) has a master’s degree and is licensed in their home state or state he/she works in to provide services. Most therapists also obtain certification through the American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA), which is the governing body for the profession. Speech-language pathologists provide evaluations and treatment services for individuals that may have difficulty with receptive/expressive language, articulation (speech sounds), fluency (stuttering), voice quality, feeding/swallowing, and social communication. For additional information, please visit American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA.)
How do I know if my child’s speech and language skills are developing appropriately?
Every child is unique and different and no two children meet milestones at the exact same time in their development. Read a list of milestones provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.)
Both ASHA and the CDC have excellent norms available to the public, so you can have a general idea of how your child is developing.
What should I do if I am concerned about my child’s speech-language development?
If you are at all concerned about your child’s speech-language skills or overall development, contact your pediatrician or a local specialist in your area. Trust your parent “gut.” If you are at all worried, look into it. Early detection and intervention is key to success. Start researching potential evaluation and treatment sites. Your local school district is often a great place to start. You can also research services that might be available through your state/county.
Check out this ProFind service portal to look up speech-therapists in your area. Also, stay tuned to this blog! We give frequent tips and resources. Sign up for our newsletter for information right as I get it.