Treatment for Speech and Language Disorders

Treatment for Speech and Language Disorders

A speech-language pathologist can treat speech and language disorders.

Therapy should begin as soon as possible. Children who begin therapy early in their development tend to do better than children who begin therapy later. This does not mean that older children and adolescents cannot make progress in therapy. However, when a problem goes unrecognized, it can interfere with a child’s family interactions, social relationships, and schoolwork. When a problem is identified, a speech-language pathologist can work with the child, parents, and teachers to enhance the child’s speech and language development and reduce the impact of the any problems on a child’s family, social, and school life.

Helping a Child with a Speech and Language Disorder

Here Are a Few Tips You Can Try at Home:

  • When talking to your child, talk just a “notch above” what they do. If your child uses single words like “doggie,” then you can use a phrase like “nice doggie.”
  • When interacting with your child, give him or her time to listen and learn. Pause after you talk, so your child has a chance to talk or gesture to answer you.
  • Be patient. Your child may not repeat words you say right away, but these words may “pop out” later.
  • Ask helpful questions (rather than test questions) and acknowledge your child's responses, even when they're hard to understand. If your child says “bamma” and you think they mean to say “grandma,” ask your child “Are you talking about grandma” (helpful question) rather than “What’s her name?” (test question).
  • Show your child that it is okay for him or her to ask questions when they do not understand what you are saying. If your child looks puzzled or does not follow a direction correctly, consider changing what you say and see if it helps him or her.
  • If your child is having trouble expressing himself or herself, focus on what they mean, rather than how they say it.
  • If your child is having trouble understanding what you are saying, use gestures, objects, or pictures to help themself understand what you are talking about. Older children can benefit from drawings, simple lists, and outlines.
  • Keep in mind that even older children may not understand abstract expressions, such as “Those people live in a zoo.” When giving directions or just talking, say what you mean. For example, instead of saying “Put down your dukes” say “Put your hands down.”

Treatment may include clinic or home-based coaching, individual or group therapy, school-based individual or group therapy in a classroom, and other school-based interventions.

Speech-language therapy may include:

  • Articulation Therapy: In this treatment, a speech-language pathologist models correct sounds and syllables for a child during play activities. A speech-language pathologist helps the child learn how the sounds are formed with the lips, tongue, and teeth (for example, moving the tongue to the back of the mouth to say “car” instead of “tar”).
  • Language Intervention Activities: In this treatment, a speech-language pathologist talks to a child and uses pictures, books, objects, structured play, or actual events, such as cooking. The speech-language pathologist may model certain words or types of sentences and ask the child to imitate. Together, these activities work to improve vocabulary, sentence structure, and language use. The level of play is age appropriate and related to the child's specific needs. For older children, the speech-language pathologist tries to improve a child’s ability to understand others, like their teachers. A speech-language pathologist may teach the child to ask questions when they do not understand something in class or may explain the vocabulary used in daily school assignments.

If the speech and language disorder is affecting the child’s ability to learn, adjustments may need to be made in their education program.

Find out more information on the school system

Tip

Parent involvement is crucial to treating speech and language disorders. A speech-language pathologist may recommend parent counseling and education. Ask your child’s speech-language pathologist for suggestions on how you can help your child, such as emphasizing important words when you read together.

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