Signs That Your Child May Benefit From Speech Pathology
As a parent, it can be hard to determine if your child has a small quirk while they are saying a particular word or if they have more substantial problems that may require the help of a speech pathologist. The earlier a child gets help through speech pathology, the better it is for the child. Children who do not get the speech pathology help they need early in life often struggle with reading, writing, and spelling as they progress through school. Here are a few of the signs that your child may benefit from speech pathology.
They Are Not Able to Speak Clearly or Enunciate Their Sounds
One of the signs that your child may benefit from speech pathology is not being able to enunciate their sounds or speak clearly. It may be hard for you or your family members to understand what your child is saying, as their speech seems to slur together. You may also have trouble differentiating between certain sounds, as certain letters, such as M and N, may sound the same when said by your child.
They Are Having Flow Problems With Their Speech
Another common sign that your child may benefit from speech pathology is a child who is having flow problems with their speech. For example, their sentences may not flow because they are stuttering or there is a delay when they are putting a sentence together. Young children often stop to think about what they are saying, so it can be hard to determine when a child is thinking about what they are saying versus when they may have speech flow issues. If your child rarely completes a sentence without interruption, they may have speech flow issues.
They Are Having Resonance Issues With Their Speech
The final sign that your child may benefit from speech pathology is if your child has resonance issues with their speech. This means that your child is having trouble with the volume at which they are speaking or with their pitch. They may go from screaming to whispering or they may have a deep tone or squeaky tone. A speech pathologist can work with them to ensure that they are speaking in an even, consistent, and audible volume and tone.
If you suspect that your child may need help from a speech pathologist but you are unsure, there are two paths you can take. Your child's pediatrician can help you determine if your child should seek help from a speech pathologist. Additionally, many speech pathologists offer consultations. They can meet with your child and listen to him or her speak and give you their opinion. Contact a speech pathologist today to learn more about speak pathology and find out if it is right for your child.
To learn more, contact a resource like Eastern Carolina Ear Nose & Throat-Head.
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