We often meet parents who ask us this question – and we always reassure them that they’ve done nothing wrong. Speech delays and challenges are rarely due to parenting. When parents recognise that their child might need help with speech therapy, they often have many unanswered questions, concerns and emotions – such as:
Is their speech normal or are they a late bloomer?
You might feel concerned if you notice that your child isn’t speaking or communicating as clearly or as frequently as other children of their age. While comparing milestones can be helpful, remember that every child develops at their own pace. Consulting a speech therapist for an evaluation can help provide clarity. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, so seeking help sooner rather than later is a proactive step. Plus, there is much you can do at home – we will show you what will help to support the therapy sessions.
What are the signs a child might need speech therapy?
Communication varies by age – you might find this blog useful as a guide to what’s typical for your child’s age.
In general, the common signs that your child might need support with their communication include difficulty speaking clearly or fluently, trouble following instructions, limited vocabulary, difficulty with social communication, or a delay in speech development. If you notice they struggle with speaking, listening or making friends, they might benefit from therapy.
How will you decide if my child needs therapy?
Initially, we will invite you and your child for an assessment lasting around 1.5 hours at one of our two clinics in Tenterden or Chilham. This is a relaxed session for your child, and they will not feel they are being ‘tested’ as all the activities are disguised as fun and games – they even get a prize at the end of the session! Depending on our findings, we can provide a full report which you can share with your child’s pre-school, nursery or school setting if you’d like them to be involved in supporting your child. Or it may be that simply offering you guidance, advice and ideas to use at home is sufficient to help your child.
What happens at speech therapy sessions?
Following the assessment, we might recommend that your child attends sessions at one of our clinics. These are bright, inviting spaces designed to make your child feel comfortable. To get the best from the children, we focus on making their time with us enjoyable and something to look forward to. It's tailored to their interests, so they have fun. We’ll play specific games, sing songs and use carefully chosen language to assess them and plan next steps - but to them, it just feels like play!??
If you’re concerned about your child’s communication, be kind to yourself. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and love. Progress takes time and partnership. We are here to support your child and empower you with the tools and simple skills to help at home.
Give us a call or send us an email if you have concerns, no matter how big or small, about your child's speech or communication.? We are looking forward to speaking with you and giving you initial support to answer any questions, put your mind at rest or look forward to next steps.
We are proudly supporting Pilgrims Hospices by making a £10 donation for every Google review we receive for Speech4Kids.
Read moreWe often meet parents who ask us this question – and we always reassure them that they’ve done nothing wrong. Speech delays and challenges are rarely due to parenting. When parents recognise that their child might need help with speech therapy, they often have many unanswered questions, concerns and emotions
Read moreIf your child or grandchild struggles to communicate, it can lead to feelings of frustration – for them and you. What’s more, your concerns about the challenges they’re facing and potential uncertainty about how to support them can cause you to experience a whole range of difficult emotions including helplessness and isolation – how can you help them and ‘am I the only one’?
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