Does My Child Need Language Therapy? – Being Parents

When a child does not reach a certain developmental stage on time, it can cause parents to worry and generate anxiety in them. They wonder then if all is going well in the development of their child.

Of course, children all develop at different rates. However, it can still be worrying that your child still hasn’t started talking when most of the same age group already does. Does your child need language therapy?

While for some children language therapy is appropriate, others just need a little more time to get ready. But how do you know? And if language therapy is needed, how do you do it?

This is a topic that any parent is concerned about, so there are some aspects to consider when considering whether or not it is a good idea to consider language therapy for a child. child. Moreover, here we also give you some tips and other ideas which should help you in the education of your children.

What is “normal” and what is not?

In the rest of this article, we will introduce you to some of the stages of development that are considered “normal” in terms of language in young children.

Remember that just because each child has their own pace of development and does not reach a certain developmental stage at a certain age does not mean that they will have a developmental problem in the future. . So take into account the following:

• Under one year old: Babies interact verbally with those around them by making sounds. These sounds are the precursors of language

• 12 to 15 months: Babies begin to imitate the sounds of their mother tongue and try to say words. They can also follow simple instructions
• Between 18 months and 2 years: this is the moment when the vocabulary is diversified and when the children begin to align two words, for example “round ball”
• Between 2 and 3 years: this is usually where the language is set up. Vocabulary and comprehension are reinforced. If, for example, your child is 3 years old and only knows how to align two words, this could be a sign of a delay that requires therapy.

A combination of factors

Language delay in itself is not necessarily a sufficient reason for concern. However, the language delay accompanied by other problems could be more serious.

For example, if your child has a language delay and is also exhibiting unusual behaviors, it may mean that it is time for him to go to therapy. These unusual behaviors include:

• Lack of non-verbal communication, such as eye contact, smiles, babbling, and other socially attractive behaviors
• Inability to follow directions or even listen to them
• Poor memory, especially in the short term
• Extreme frustration when trying to speak

Is it necessary to undergo language therapy?

Worried about your child’s language development? You can start by talking to your pediatrician.

The latter can give you a professional opinion. And tell you if he thinks it is necessary to consider language therapy or not. If necessary, he will be able to recommend a language therapist.

On the other hand, we invite you to have a second or even a third opinion from other pediatricians. You may also want to meet other language therapists than the one recommended by your pediatrician. Indeed, when it comes to giving your child the help he needs, it is worth showing a little requirement.

Here are some things to consider when looking for a language therapist for your child:

• Does the therapist have a behavior that you like? Do you think your child can work with him?
• Does your child seem comfortable with the therapist?

• What is the therapist’s angle of approach?
• Were you able to gather good references on him?
• Taking into account his experience and knowledge, do you really think that this therapist will be able to work with your child in a personalized way?

Uncomfortable with your child’s language therapist? So don’t go see him anymore.

It does not matter that he has many positive references as well as great professionalism; if there is something about it that you don’t like, you can look for another one that you will feel really good with every time you work with your child.

If your child is still young and still won’t speak, don’t obsess over it. Remember that each child has their own learning pace. Maybe, sooner than you think, your child will make progress that will surprise you!