There are several signs that may indicate that a child could benefit from speech therapy. Here are some examples:
Difficulty with speech sounds: If you notice that your child consistently makes speech errors, this may indicate a need for speech therapy. For example, if a child consistently replaces certain sounds with others (e.g. saying *wabbit” instead of “rabbit”), or if they have difficulty saying multi-syllabic words (e.g. saying “vebable” for “vegetable”) this may be a sign of a speech sound delay or disorder.
Delayed language development: If your child appears to be using fewer words than their peers, find it challenging to express themselves, and/or have difficulty understanding instructions, this may indicate a language delay.
Fluency disorders: If your child has a stutter, it can significantly impact his/her
communication ability and self-esteem. Stuttering is characterized by repetitions,
prolongations, or blocks in speech.
Voice disorders: If your child’s voice quality, pitch, or volume is variable, or if they
experience vocal fatigue or hoarseness, this may indicate a need for speech therapy to address vocal hygiene recommendations to maintain healthy and effective vocal function.
Feeding and swallowing difficulties: If your child is a picky eater, or has experiences
difficulty when eating such as coughing or choking during meals, or experiencing reflux; a speech therapist can help to improve his/her ability to safely consume and enjoy food.
If you notice any of these signs or are concerned about your child’s speech or language development, it is recommended to speak with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for an evaluation. An SLP can assess your child’s communication abilities and determine if speech therapy is appropriate. Early intervention is important, as it can help to address communication difficulties and promote successful communication development.