Education, tips, and advice on Speech Therapy techniques
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Learning to read is a gradual process and children with speech disorders may need a little extra help. Before you whip out those flashcards, consider downloading some kid-friendly reading apps instead. Encourage your kids to read with apps so that they can learn anywhere – including in the car or on vacation – without toting along a crate full of speech therapy toys and flashcards.
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Helping your child build his vocabulary will help him to better express his needs and wants and reduce frustration. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and parents often use flashcards to teach children new words. If your child becomes easily bored with this activity, try re-engaging his interest by taking advantage of high-tech Internet advances. There are numerous educational apps available specifically for children with speech and language disorders, as well as general vocab apps.
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Babies often begin their initial explorations with sounds with the “M” sound. If your baby’s first word was “mama,” he’s not alone. Most children have command over this sound by the time they are two or three, if not earlier. If you think that your child might be displaying difficulties with the “M” sound, consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP) sooner rather than later. Although your child may not yet be old enough to go to school, you can still take advantage of free speech therapy with the Early Intervention program.
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A child who stutters often sees the world from a different perspective once he becomes aware of his atypical speech. In school, he may go out of his way to avoid giving oral presentations or raising his hand to answer a question. At birthday parties, he might resist talking to other children. Children who stutter also might avoid talking on the phone. Parents can help their child become more comfortable with phone calls by teaching them how to prepare for a call, how to stay relaxed during it, and how to learn from the experience. Becoming more comfortable with using a phone while the child is young can help him succeed later in life.
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Speech therapy is going digital. Many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are beginning to incorporate iPhone and iPad apps into speech therapy sessions. This high-tech education helps engage children in the learning process.
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There are apps for everything from finding the nearest public restroom to keeping track of your workout routine. Lady Gaga even has her own app. A lot of these downloads are glorified time-wasters, but there are a few diamonds in the rough. If your child seems inattentive during his usual speech therapy routine, try introducing him to a speech therapy app.
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Benefits of Sign Language
Sign language isn’t just for the hearing impaired. You can use sign language to communicate with your baby to better understand his needs and wants. Children with a speech disorder can also use sign language as a type of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Many children with speech disorders struggle to express themselves; nonverbal communication methods can help reduce their frustration. Furthermore, sign language can facilitate the development of verbal language. Your child may benefit from using sign language alone or in conjunction with other AAC devices like picture cards or electronic AAC devices.
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The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a system to assist people in communication who are unable to do so through speech. The system uses picture cards for communication. It is one method that a child with a severe speech disorder can use to indicate his basic needs and wants. This reduces the child’s frustration and his social isolation.
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What’s a Tracheotomy?
During a tracheotomy, a surgeon will create an opening in the trachea, or windpipe. This opening is called the tracheostomy, through which a tube is inserted so that the patient can breathe. Some people are connected to a ventilator if they have trouble breathing on their own. A tracheostomy may be temporary for some patients, while for others it is a permanent condition. A tracheostomy has a profound effect on a person’s ability to communicate.
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Speech disorders can range from problems with articulation to problems speaking any words at all, such as selective mutism. Children who cannot speak at all or those who speak very little have difficulty expressing their basic needs and wants. This can become frustrating for them, which may sometimes result in behavioral issues. One solution is providing your child with an alternative means of communication.
