Are you curious whether your 18-month-old, who doesn’t speak many words, might have an issue? Or do you have a picky eater who shows no interest in foods with different textures or tastes? Perhaps you’ve noticed your preschooler drooling constantly? In situations like these, consulting a pediatric speech therapist can allay your concerns or provide management and treatment.
A pediatric speech therapist is a specialised healthcare professional who focuses on diagnosing and treating communication disorders and challenges in children. They work with infants, toddlers, and children up to 18 years old, addressing a wide range of speech, language, and communication difficulties.
The main objective of a pediatric speech therapist is to help children enhance their communication skills, including speech articulation, language comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and social communication. They also assist children with feeding and swallowing difficulties.
Here are some essential ways a pediatric speech therapist can support families:
Assessment – Pediatric speech therapists start by evaluating a child’s speech and language skills to identify areas of concern and establish a foundation for creating a personalised treatment plan.
Individualised Treatment – Based on the assessment results, the therapist designs a tailored treatment plan that caters to the specific needs of the child. This therapy may involve various techniques and activities.
Collaboration – Pediatric speech therapists work together with other healthcare professionals, educators, and parents to ensure comprehensive care for the child. They educate parents and caregivers about strategies to encourage communication development at home and actively involve them in therapy sessions to ensure the child can apply the skills beyond the therapy setting.
By addressing oral pattern and speech difficulties early on, these professionals help children overcome communication barriers, improve their social interactions, and achieve success in academic and personal endeavours.