So, you know in your heart that your child may have a speech and language delay or
disorder. Some of your family supports you, and some think you are just over reacting.
An aunt says that you were just like your kid when you were little and that you grew out
of it on your own. The pediatrician didn’t pick up on anything wrong. What should you
do?
Remember that you are your child’s mother, father or primary care provider. You know
your child better than anyone else. You need to trust your gut instinct and take the leap
to go find help for your child. As a mother, you want your child to have the best chance
at succeeding in life, to do better and to go further than you have gone with your life. In
order for a child to reach his or her potential, that child may need support to help ensure
basic skills are developing as they should. A child may struggle for the rest of his or her
life in relationships and education if basic communication, speech and/or language skills
are not in place.
First, talk to your child’s day-care provider or teacher at school. Teachers spend 3-8
hours a day with your child 5 days a week. They know your child quite well. A good
teacher who is interested in the success of your child will share concerns regarding
speech and language development, academic and social struggles, as well as areas of
strength.
You can also talk to your doctor about your concerns. He or she can refer you to a
registered Speech-Language Pathologist, an Audiologist, Psychologist or
Developmental Pediatrician. Social Workers can provide support as well. If there are
any questions, go search out the answers. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Early intervention leads to the best success rates. No child is too young to receive and
benefit from therapy. There is no need to wait until the child has another birthday to see if he or she will
outgrow the problem. Let a professional suggest a plan of action based on results
from the screening or assessment.
A complete evaluation by a registered Speech-Language Pathologist will identify your
child’s weaknesses as well as his or her strengths. An individualized program will be
developed for your child, and long term goals with short term objectives will be set.
Through therapy in the office and follow-up exercises to be done in the home, progress
should be seen within 3-6 months. However, therapy may continue for at least a year or
more, until everyone is satisfied with the child’s development.
Just because your child may have a delay or a disorder, does not mean all hope is lost. Many
children return to developing on track with support from a registered Speech-Language
Pathologist. All children will make improvements with therapy in the office and following
home programs, once the needed support is provided. Some children may need extra
support in the school setting. The teachers and remedial teacher can work with the
Speech-Language Pathologist to provide adjustments in homework and testing if
needed. Some children benefit most from the use of an aide in the classroom. More
and more children are succeeding in typical schools with the support of an aide.
As with many things in your child’s life, you become the advocate for your child to make
sure his or her voice is heard. To make sure his or her rights are protected. To make
sure that your child has the same opportunities as others to learn and excel. But brace
yourself, this will be a continuous job. It will feel at times like you are hitting wall after
wall. But realize that you are not alone. There are other parents facing similar
challenges who can offer advice, encouraging words or even just an understanding
look. There are professionals who can offer the knowledge and how toʼs to help. And
there are some parent support groups available that bring parents together in a safe
environment to laugh, share triumphs and tribulations and de-stress.
Go out there and fight for your child. You are your child’s protector and he or she needs
your voice and your actions. Your child needs you to make the first step and
acknowledge if a problem exists. Your child needs you to seek the help of a professional
and identify the problem. Your child needs your support through the therapy and daily
triumphs and struggles. Your child needs you to continue to love him or her regardless
of the outcome. Do the best for your child. Do what is right for your child. Love your
child.
disorder. Some of your family supports you, and some think you are just over reacting.
An aunt says that you were just like your kid when you were little and that you grew out
of it on your own. The pediatrician didn’t pick up on anything wrong. What should you
do?
Remember that you are your child’s mother, father or primary care provider. You know
your child better than anyone else. You need to trust your gut instinct and take the leap
to go find help for your child. As a mother, you want your child to have the best chance
at succeeding in life, to do better and to go further than you have gone with your life. In
order for a child to reach his or her potential, that child may need support to help ensure
basic skills are developing as they should. A child may struggle for the rest of his or her
life in relationships and education if basic communication, speech and/or language skills
are not in place.
First, talk to your child’s day-care provider or teacher at school. Teachers spend 3-8
hours a day with your child 5 days a week. They know your child quite well. A good
teacher who is interested in the success of your child will share concerns regarding
speech and language development, academic and social struggles, as well as areas of
strength.
You can also talk to your doctor about your concerns. He or she can refer you to a
registered Speech-Language Pathologist, an Audiologist, Psychologist or
Developmental Pediatrician. Social Workers can provide support as well. If there are
any questions, go search out the answers. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Early intervention leads to the best success rates. No child is too young to receive and
benefit from therapy. There is no need to wait until the child has another birthday to see if he or she will
outgrow the problem. Let a professional suggest a plan of action based on results
from the screening or assessment.
A complete evaluation by a registered Speech-Language Pathologist will identify your
child’s weaknesses as well as his or her strengths. An individualized program will be
developed for your child, and long term goals with short term objectives will be set.
Through therapy in the office and follow-up exercises to be done in the home, progress
should be seen within 3-6 months. However, therapy may continue for at least a year or
more, until everyone is satisfied with the child’s development.
Just because your child may have a delay or a disorder, does not mean all hope is lost. Many
children return to developing on track with support from a registered Speech-Language
Pathologist. All children will make improvements with therapy in the office and following
home programs, once the needed support is provided. Some children may need extra
support in the school setting. The teachers and remedial teacher can work with the
Speech-Language Pathologist to provide adjustments in homework and testing if
needed. Some children benefit most from the use of an aide in the classroom. More
and more children are succeeding in typical schools with the support of an aide.
As with many things in your child’s life, you become the advocate for your child to make
sure his or her voice is heard. To make sure his or her rights are protected. To make
sure that your child has the same opportunities as others to learn and excel. But brace
yourself, this will be a continuous job. It will feel at times like you are hitting wall after
wall. But realize that you are not alone. There are other parents facing similar
challenges who can offer advice, encouraging words or even just an understanding
look. There are professionals who can offer the knowledge and how toʼs to help. And
there are some parent support groups available that bring parents together in a safe
environment to laugh, share triumphs and tribulations and de-stress.
Go out there and fight for your child. You are your child’s protector and he or she needs
your voice and your actions. Your child needs you to make the first step and
acknowledge if a problem exists. Your child needs you to seek the help of a professional
and identify the problem. Your child needs your support through the therapy and daily
triumphs and struggles. Your child needs you to continue to love him or her regardless
of the outcome. Do the best for your child. Do what is right for your child. Love your
child.