Any loving parent wants their child to lead a wonderful life—so it can be tough to see your little one struggle with problems that you, as a parent, have no control over. When it comes to developmental hurdles, a pediatric therapy clinic can help. These professionals assist kids with all kinds of obstacles to to help them achieve developmental milestones allowing them to live happier and healthier lives. Read on to learn more about when pediatric therapy might be needed.

3 Ways a Pediatric Therapy Clinic Can Help Your Child

1. Delayed Speech

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the prevalence of speech-sound disorders in young kids is 8-9%. Usually, by six months of age, your infant will start making some babbling noises. By their first birthday, most children can say a few simple words, while by age two they might be able to construct basic sentences like “more food.” If such development is delayed, speech therapy can help.

2. Problems Eating or Drinking

Feeding or swallowing therapy provided by a licensed speech and language pathologist or occupational therapist can both address and improve their situation, known as dysphagia, encompass everything from difficulty picking up food to issues chewing, sucking, or swallowing. The symptoms of these problems vary and might include a stiffening of the body during feeding or gagging during meals. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has a comprehensive list of signs. Children who face issues getting the sustenance they need run the risk of dehydration or malnutrition. Feeding and swallowing therapy can both address and improve their situation.

3. Mobility Issues

Physical therapy isn’t just for athletes. Pediatric physical therapy assists young people who’ve hit a roadblock regarding their bodily mobility. Maybe your baby is late to start crawling—or perhaps your toddler has cerebral palsy and could use assistance in improving their motor skills. A pediatric physical therapist has the experience to assist them.

If you’re looking for therapeutic assistance for your child in Anchorage, AK, consider All For Kids Pediatric Therapy Clinic. From children with congenital conditions to those recovering from an injury or living with disease—they work with kids from diverse backgrounds. You can find out more about their services, including physical therapy, listening programs, and sensory integration, online. To schedule a consultation, call (907) 345-0050.