Do
you think your child has problems swallowing food or drink or
expressing himself? Perhaps you need to see a speech pathologist for
your child as your child may need help with his speech and language
difficulties. However, do not panic as there are many children who
suffer from the problem and the good news is that there is help
available. Both the parents and the teachers need to be proactive in
this area if they see a child facing a problem with his speech or
language skills. Your first step should be to get in touch with a speech pathologist.
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| Speech Pathologist |
The language and Speech disorders
When
a speech disorder develops then the child has trouble in creating
sounds, and a language disorder develops when the child is unable to
communicate his ideas. Speech disorders include having difficulty in
producing sounds, saying words and displaying an interrupted flow of
speech. Resonance disorders mean issues with the pitch, volume, or
quality. Language disorders comprise difficulties in putting words
together, poor vocabulary and communication skills. Children with speech
and language disorders also exhibit problems with chewing, coughing,
and swallowing foods.
There
could various reasons behind the speech and language issues like
cognitive developmental delays, weak oral muscles, hearing impairments,
birth defects, articulation problems, fluency disorders, feeding and
swallowing disorders.
Looking for a Certified Speech Pathologist for your Child
The
earlier one intervenes, the better it is for the child. Speech-language
therapy can help the child overcome his speech or language disorders.
Speech-language pathologists (SLP) are also referred to as speech
therapists or speech pathologists. They are trained professionals and
are certified and licensed in the field. It is essential to find the
right speech pathologist who has completed a clinical fellowship and
carries ample experience for your child. You can get referrals from
your child's doctor or you can check out local directories on listings
of licensed and certified speech pathologists for children.
On What Parameters does a Speech Pathologist Work?
The
speech pathologist for your child helps by improving reading and
writing and building language fluency. They teach assisted communication
with the child in the form of signs, symbols, and gestures. The speech
pathologists can be found working in schools, hospitals, community
health centres, and private practice. They might also work in specialist
intervention services for children with hearing impairment,
intellectual disability or cerebral palsy. Sometimes, the speech pathologist for children is hired to work within the school either in groups or one on one with them.
What can you do as a Parent?
Parents
and teachers need to be very vigilant when it comes to language skills
in the growing children, whether at home or in school. Any sign of
weaker or slower speech development should be taken seriously, and the
speech pathologist for a child should be contacted right away. Therapy
should begin as early as possible for faster and better results.
Parental involvement, efforts by the teachers and the right speech
pathologist can ensure the remarkable success of a child's progress.
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| Speech Pathologist |
The Role of the Speech Pathologist
Once
a reputed speech-language pathologist has been contacted, it is
essential to inform the schools and get the teacher involved. The speech
pathologist will evaluate the child and look at the areas of speech and
language where he is getting delayed. He will first focus on the major
areas of weakness of the child, and study as to what is effective for
the child and his life the most in his daily activities. He will set up
goals and milestones to achieve as a guide in the treatment program. With the right knowledge and skills, one can get the confidence that the
child is sure to improve. Together, the parent, the teacher and the
speech-language pathologist can work as a fantastic team for the child.
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