Speech Therapy: Faqs
Speech therapy isn't something that parents wake up one morning and think that they're child is going to need. As a result, it can make it difficult and intimidating to connect with a speech therapist. Luckily, if you think that your child is in need of speech therapy, a professional therapist will do everything in his or her power to make the process as easy and direct as he or she can. Keep reading to learn a bit more about the process.
What do you need to do to get started with a professional speech therapist?
If someone from your child's school has informed you that your child is in need of speech therapy services, or you simply think that your child may benefit from these services, contact a speech therapy clinic in your area and schedule an assessment. You won't know exactly what it is that your child needs or doesn't need until he or she has been thoroughly examined by a professional. By scheduling an assessment, you will ensure that your child's specific needs are being addressed properly.
How long does an assessment take?
The length of assessments vary from one child to the next, so it is hard to pinpoint an exact time frame. However, as a general rule, assessments will range from two to three hours for early school age children and four to five hours for older children (and these are often split into at least two sessions for convenience).
What occurs following the assessment?
After the assessment, you will receive a detailed report that explains the speech-related issues that your child has as well as the recommended treatment plan. Don't worry if you don't understand medical jargon, as the report will outline everything in layman's terms as well to ensure that you are able to comprehend the information given to you. This report will provide you with some insight into what is going on with your child and what can be done to remedy the situation moving forward.
How do you know if you even need to contact a speech therapist for an assessment?
As a parent, it can be difficult to know if you need to contact a medical provider or not. However, you often want to err on the side of caution when it comes to speech issues. Signs of speech problems will vary based on a child's age, but general signs that you should contact a speech therapist for an assessment include limited sound production and a lack of interest in speaking.