Understanding When To Stop Speech Therapy.

Deciding whether your child should stop speech therapy is an important decision that should be made with careful consideration. Speech therapy is a valuable resource for children who have communication disorders or difficulties. In this post, we will explore the factors to consider when making this decision and provide a balanced perspective.

1. Assessment of Progress

Speech therapists set specific goals for each child, and these goals should be evaluated periodically. If your child has made significant progress and met their therapy goals, it may be a sign that they are ready to discontinue therapy.

2. Communication Needs

Consider your child’s current communication needs. If they have reached a point where their speech and language skills are age-appropriate and functional for their daily life, it might be appropriate to consider stopping therapy.

3. Consult with the Therapist

Speak with your child’s speech therapist. They have valuable insights into your child’s progress and can provide guidance on when to stop speech therapy. They can also suggest strategies for continued support, if necessary.

4. Consistency

Consistency in therapy sessions is essential. If your child has been attending speech therapy regularly and is making steady progress, abruptly discontinuing therapy may not be the best decision. Gradually reducing the frequency of sessions might be a more appropriate approach.

5. Parental Observation

As a parent, you observe your child’s communication skills across the whole week. Pay close attention to how well they are communicating in various settings – at home, school, and with peers. Your observations will give important insight when making the decision.

6. Peer and Teacher Feedback

Consult with your child’s teachers and seek feedback from other adults who interact with them regularly. They can provide insights into how well your child is communicating in academic and social settings.

7. Financial and Time Considerations

Speech therapy can be time-consuming and expensive. Evaluate whether continuing therapy is feasible from both a financial and time perspective. Consider whether the resources allocated to therapy could be used in other ways to support your child’s development.

8. Child's Comfort and enjoyment

Consider your child’s comfort and enjoyment of therapy. If they have developed a positive rapport with their therapist and are benefiting from sessions, it may be supportive to continue therapy for a while longer.

Ok, so when to stop speech therapy?

In conclusion, the decision on when to stop speech therapy for your child is not one-size-fits-all. It should be based on a careful assessment of your child’s progress, needs, and circumstances. Collaboration with your child’s speech therapist will help you make an informed decision. If you’re seeking guidance on when to stop speech therapy or if you’d like to learn more about our approach to speech therapy at Creative Therapy Adelaide, we’re here to help. Send us a message on our contact page or give us a call at (08) 7080 4618 to find out more. You can also find our more about speech therapy at Speech Pathology Australia