When Should I Look Into Starting Speech Therapy?
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Are you or a loved one considering starting speech therapy?
Speech therapy can be beneficial for both children and adults experiencing difficulties in communication or speech-related challenges. Speech therapists are trained professionals who specialise in helping people improve their ability to speak clearly, express themselves effectively, and understand others.
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the reasons outlined below, it may be time to consider starting speech therapy.
Let’s take a look at indicators for both children and adults.
Starting speech therapy: indicators for children
Delayed Language Development
Children typically start speaking their first words around the age of 12 to 15 months. If your child hasn’t reached this milestone or shows a significant delay in speech development compared to their peers, it is time to consider speech therapy.
Difficulty Being UnderstoodĀ
Difficulty pronouncing words or being consistently misunderstood by others, even by family members, could be a sign of an underlying speech disorder.
Difficulty understanding others
If your child shows difficulties in following directions, answering questions, or understanding language spoken they may have language concerns and benefit from speech therapy input.Ā
Limited vocabulary or language structures
A limited vocabulary for their age group or difficulty finding the right words while speaking might warrant professional evaluation by a speech therapist. Similarly, difficulties organising words into sentences and using correct grammar may be signs of a language delay or disorder.Ā
Difficulties with social communication
Some children may struggle to engage with other children and adults in interactions including play and conversation. Speech therapy can help children develop their social communication skills so they navigate social interactions and form positive relationships with others.
Difficulty with Reading and WritingĀ
Speech and language difficulties often co-occur with challenges in literacy skills. If your child struggles with reading, writing, or understanding instructions, it could indicate a need for speech therapy.
Speech therapy can help children develop their social communication skills
Starting speech therapy: indicators for adults
Difficulty Pronouncing WordsĀ
If you find yourself frequently struggling to pronounce certain words or sounds, or if others have difficulty understanding you, speech therapy may be beneficial.
Speech After Injury or IllnessĀ
Following a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological condition, individuals may experience speech difficulties such as aphasia or dysarthria which affect speech and language skills. Speech therapy can aid in rehabilitation and recovery.
Voice ConcernsĀ
Persistent hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or discomfort while speaking could indicate voice problems that speech therapy can address.
Social interactionĀ
Difficulty communicating can impact various aspects of social life, leading to feelings of isolation or frustration. Seeking support from a speech therapist can improve confidence and social interactions with others.
Speech therapists can support you one-on-one and in group settings
The overall goal of speech therapy is to improve communication abilities and enhance quality of life. Speech therapy assists individuals to gain confidence in expressing themselves and engaging effectively with others.Ā
If you believe speech therapy may be beneficial for you or someone you know, don’t hesitate to contact Creative Therapy Adelaide at (08) 7080 4618 to explore speech therapy support for you or the person you support. You do not need a doctor’s referral if you’re looking at starting speech therapy.
Speech therapy services can be accessed through Medicare, NDIS or private funding.
More information about Speech Pathology can be found onĀ Speech Pathology Australia, the national peak body for the speech pathology profession in Australia.
Remember, it’s never too early or too late to seek support when it comes to speech and language concerns.
Written by
Lucy Leane
Lucy is a dedicated Speech Pathologist who strives to apply evidence-based intervention that promotes connection, uses individual interests and is fun!
