When your child has trouble speaking, you may not know what to do to help. Speaking correctly is a problem that many children have, and it is often detected at the age of three or four. If your little one is having trouble pronouncing certain letters, like “s” or “r,” he may want to consider getting professional help. Learn what to do if your child needs speech therapy.
take them to a specialist
An otolaryngologist should be the first specialist you see when you think your young child has a speech problem. This type of doctor will make sure there are no physical defects such as an enlarged tongue, swollen throat, or problems with the shape of the mouth or gums.
find a therapist
Speech therapy is beneficial for young children. Therapists can help children feel more confident in using their words. A therapist uses special tools like cue cards and mouth exercises to help. Make sure they see a therapist once a week for several months or years as they learn to improve their communication.
speech therapy at school
Schools often offer special classes designed to help struggling students pronounce sentences better. Working in groups can be a good way for your student to practice communicating more clearly. Sessions can last half an hour or more, depending on the severity of your child’s impairment. If you choose to do this in addition to using a therapist, make sure the professional knows what learning methods are being used so they can employ similar methods.
what you can do at home
Helping your little one at home is key to their success. First, alert any other children in the home to the problem. Explain to them that they should not tease, tease, imitate, or torment their sibling because of the handicap. You can also use special tools your therapist gave you to help your child learn to pronounce individual sentences and sounds. Reference cards, tracking videos, and tapes are essential tools that you can use.
Many young children face this type of challenge every day. You don’t have to suffer as a parent. It may take many months or years, but over time you should see success with speech therapy. Talk to a specialist who can refer you to an excellent therapist. The results will lead to a confident and happy child.