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Speech and language disorders affect an estimated 20% of children. Even if your child is generally healthy, they could experience minor difficulties with communication that can have a big impact on their ability to socialise and interact with others. If you’re feeling at a loss as to what could be affecting your child’s development, and you have tried everything else, then we can advise you to seek professional support from your paediatrician and/or speech and language therapy professional. 

In this article, we will explore how speech and language therapy can support your family and work with your child that has communication. Further we are some indicational signs that you may want to seek professional support and why it matters to do so in the early years. 

What is speech and language therapy?

Speech and Language Therapy, more commonly known as Speech Therapy, provides care, support and treatment for children and adults who may have communication difficulties. Although it’s been practised for decades, it’s not always very clear on what it is and what these professionals offer. 

Why does speech therapy matter?

The chances that you know someone with a communication disorder are high. RCSLT, estimates that nearly 20% of our population may experience communication difficulties at some point in their lifetime. With more relevance, around 1.4m children in the UK have long term speech language and communication needs (SLCN), shares ICAN. Communication is key for one to thrive in life. Yet on average 2 students in every class of 30 have a Developmental Language Delay (DLD). 

How speech and language therapy can support your child

Children who experience speech and language difficulties can experience challenges in expressing themselves verbally and non-verbally. They may have trouble with pronunciation, articulation, speech fluency, or finding the right words. Speech and language therapists can assess your child’s needs and support your child to navigate the challenges they may face. Speech and language therapists can offer suggestions for strategies during a therapy session, at home, and their everyday life to foster communication. These suggestions can include low-tech devices such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and day-to-day play strategies to focus on speech for when you go shopping, in the kitchen, reading to them, and doing indoor or outdoor activities to name a few. 

What do Speech and language therapists do?

Speech and language therapists have the ability to empower both children and adults to find their voice, enabling them to develop their communication skills. Generally, during your first session with a speech therapist, you will be assessed based on the understanding, use of language and overall communication skills. Based on the report, the speech therapist will develop a therapy plan with goals to be reached together. 

Speech therapists can work for the government, privately and/or within a bond with a rehabilitation team. Rehabilitation teams support adults to recover their communication skills after a stroke or illness (such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or ALS).

Effectiveness of speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy has been shown to be effective in treating many childhood communication disorders. It’s helpful for children with a variety of speech and language difficulties, including those that may have more severe cases. There is a large amount of evidence-based research that supports speech and language therapy and that it can work to improve oral communication skills (such as talking and reading). 

Speech and language therapy can also support children on the spectrum of autism. Through evidence-based techniques to further teach them how to communicate using non-verbal communication (such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures). Research shows that speech and language therapy can also improve social skills and support children with communication difficulties to feel more confident and comfortable in their social surroundings, such as school. 

What outcomes can you expect from a speech and language therapy session

Speech and language therapy can be an effective treatment for many children and adults who experience speech and language difficulties. However, it’s important to keep in mind that therapy isn’t a cure. It can be useful in helping improve speech and language skills, but it can’t magically fix difficulties that are present from birth. Some children may find that speech and language therapy helps reduce anxiety and improve their self-esteem. Depending on the speech and language disorder, the amount of therapy sessions may vary. For example, some individuals that have DLD, may find a 6-week block effective. Whereas, individuals with Autism, may need speech therapy support once a week, for an undefined period. 

How is speech therapy supported in research?

For more information on speech therapy and parent-led coaching, access evidence-based articles at this link. In specific, you’ll find an article on “Assessing the key to effective coaching in parent–child interaction therapy: The therapist-parent interaction coding system”. More on parent-led coaching, noala shares more on parent-led speech therapy through their online programs for families starting their communication journey with their little ones. 

Furthermore, BBC News recently shared the increasing numbers of child speech delays following lockdowns. Children ranging between 5 and 6 years, and needing speech and language support within schools have increased by 10% across England.

The limitation in social interaction during lockdown is one of the contributing causes. The demand is struggling to be met, says (RCSLT). However, the government claims to be investing into early years development, estimated at £ 180 million.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

No one knows your child better than you, as a parent/caregiver. As you observe your child grow through their first 3 years of development, you may wonder about the development of communication skills. Non-verbal and verbal communication can both be good early indicators of your child’s speech and language skills. Generally, you should be able to observe the following early speech and language signs that can be seen during play and when interacting with your child:

• Your child can focus his attention on an object with another individual (joint attention)
• Your child utilises eye contact and modulates facial expressions (i.e. smiling when happy) by responding to stimulation such as sounds and gestures
• Your child plays and engages in daily activities and routines
• Your child babbles and vocalises

How to find a speech and language therapist for your child

Looking for a speech and language therapist can be an overwhelming process. In an ideal world, you would be able to access free services through the NHS. However, with waiting lists currently up to 3 years, families often seek other alternatives. Alternative options can include online services such as Noala. Noala is on a mission to make speech and language mainstream. Their platform offers your family  instant access to certified speech professionals, guiding you through a tailored clinically backed, parent-led Speech and Language Therapy coaching programs to help your child reach their designated targets. 

Our first program is built for developmental language, covering 6 themed sessions, from Food, Animals to Body Parts. If you’re interested, you can sign up for free, accessing your first coaching video, all about food, as well as booking a call to chat to our expert speech professional for guidance and feedback. 

Conclusion

Speech and language difficulties affect an estimated 20% of children. If your child is experiencing minor challenges with speech, it can have a big effect on their ability to socialise and interact with others. Speech and language therapists can support communication difficulties by working with your child to improve their social skills and foster communication skills. Speech and language therapists can also help children with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and other communication disorders.

For more on child communication development, please refer to this blog.