Studies have shown that one out of every 12 children in the United States has a voice or speech disorder. Since many children develop different skills at different stages, it can be challenging for parents to determine when speech therapy is a necessity. To better understand this prevalent issue, here’s some insight into when therapy can become a useful developmental aid.

Understanding Speech Therapy & Your Child’s Development

What Signs Indicate the Need for Speech Therapy?

In the first year of your child’s life, they should start to engage socially by smiling and making babbling noises at you. If in their first twelve months, they don’t seem to be responding to you, creating sounds, or using gestures to communicate, consider engaging a therapist. Other signs of speech disorders in children ages 2 to 5 include difficulty understanding their words, the inability to string words together to form sentences, or trouble making certain sounds. Stuttering, lisping, and ongoing articulation trouble are also indicators your little one could benefit from working with a therapist. 

How Do You Find the Right Therapist?

To help your child improve their speech and language skills, find a speech pathologist who works specifically with children in early developmental stages. Before settling on a therapist, ask questions about their approach so you know you and your child will be comfortable with the process, and check their references so you can hear firsthand feedback from other parents. 

Do you want to involve a therapist in your child’s speech and communication development? Building Blocks Rehab has been providing comprehensive pediatric therapy to young residents of Fairbanks and interior Alaska since 2005. If your child needs speech therapy or injury rehabilitation, this team of dedicated therapists is committed to providing effective care in an encouraging environment. To schedule an appointment for your little one, call (907) 374-4911. For more information on their specialists’ approach to treatment and their devotion to helping children succeed and thrive in their daily lives, visit their website.