A Pediatric speech language pathologist has to work in order to help children communicate in an effective way just by assisting them with the improvement of their verbal and non-verbal language speaking skills. They can also help with things like feeding and swallowing abilities. You won’t be able to believe it, have you considered, but how often do you actually think about how you chew?
Pediatric speech pathologist has to work with all kinds of children of all ages, from newborns to teen ones, in order to help them with all of the skills they lack.
Some of these important skills you might not have even considered before reading this blog are below:
In addition to that, they also specialize in treating feeding and swallowing disorders, speech-language pathologists focus on improving three areas of communication:
Pediatric Speech
When therapists work with children on speech, they’re looking to improve children’s articulation, decrease stuttering (disfluency), or treat voice disorders.
Receptive Language
When the therapists work with the children in order to improve their receptive verbal language, then they are helping children process and understand the information which the have been receiving from others. Thus, take the following directions, for example! When a therapist guides a child to “pick up and hold the toy and then put it back in the basket,” the child must take in all that information knowing that what a toy is, knowing what a basket is, along with that understanding that they’re meant to them whenever these are mentioned. There’s has been a lot which one needs like receptive language skills to speak just in one line!
Expressive Language
When therapists work with children on expressive language, they are helping children learn how to produce words and combine words into phrases and sentences to communicate their wants and needs and share information outwardly. For example, when a therapist helps a child who wants a glass of water go from saying, “Water,” to “I want water, please,” they are working on expressive language!
When A Child Might Need to See a SLP?
Children see speech-language pathologists for a variety of reasons, including difficulty:
Feeding or swallowing – unable to safely eat or drink age-appropriate foods and liquids.
Articulating certain sounds
With fluent speech – stuttering
Using words, phrases, and sentences to communicate at an age-appropriate level – needs help using words to communicate and turning words into phrases.
Understanding information such as directions or questions – needs help understanding words spoken to them.
Organizing information and regulating behavior
Human life thrives on communication, whereby we can talk about our thoughts, feelings, and needs with other people. Strong communication is critical among children as it has quite a great influence on their overall growth as normal human beings. However, there are some children who cannot develop normal speech and language, limiting these children’s abilities to express themselves.
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists are really wonderful in making up for that. They are the ones who not only go out to bat for the communication rights of children but also work tirelessly to ensure that every child is heard. Here’s a look into how these professionals make a difference.
Empowering Children’s Communication Journey
If you’re the only parent of a child who are in stress, these tips may help:
- Pay close attention while listening to your child. Keep a natural eye contact when your child tries to speak.
- Wait for your kid to say the phrase that your junior is trying to say. Don’t jump in to finish the sentence or idea.
- Set aside time whenever you can talk with your child without prior distractions. Mealtimes can provide a good opportunity for effective conversation.
- Speaking slowly, in an unhurried, cool manner: If you speak in this way, your child will sometimes do the same, which may be an help to lessen the stress.
- Take turns talking: Encouraging everyone in your family to always be a good listener and to take turns in talking.
- Strive for calmness: Do your best to create a relaxed, calm atmosphere at home so that your child feels comfortable speaking freely.
- Don’t ever focus on your child’s issues: Try not to draw attention to their stress while talking with your children. Limit situations that aim to create a sense of urgency, pressure, or a need to rush.
- Offer praise rather than criticism: It’s better to praise your child for speaking clearly than to draw attention to personal issues.
- Accept your child: Don’t react negatively or criticize or punish your child for acting negatively. This can add to feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness. Support and encouragement can make a big difference.
A speech-language pathologist provides professional treatment. The speech-language pathologist listens and talks with adults or children in different situations.
Benefits of Treatment from Speech Pathologists
After a sharp evaluation by a speech-language pathologist, you can focus on working together in order to decide on the best treatments. Many unique methods are available in order to treat children and adults who suffer from stuttering. Because problems and needs vary, a method — or combination of methods — that’s helpful for one person may not work as well for another person.
Treatment may not get rid of all problems, but it can teach skills that help you or your child:
Improve speech fluency.
Develop effective communication.
Participate fully in school, work, and social activities.
Empowering Children’s Communication Journey
Finding one’s voice in the growing years has always been our ‘thing’ at Street Simple Therapy. Our licensed pediatric speech therapists nurture communication development with expert care and treatment tailored to the individual needs of each child. With a special emphasis on early intervention and innovative strategies, we do our best to enhance every child’s journey toward confident and effective self-expression.
