I am here speaking from first-hand experience. My daughter was 2 years old, not speaking in full sentences and doing all sorts of silly and worrisome things (like running into traffic). We understood her funny little language, her quirkiness, and she is an only child. We had no idea that this wasn’t ‘the normal things’ toddlers do.
Fast forward to kindergarten, a lot of stressful situations, and the kindergarten hearing screening test. It was here that we learned that she had only 20 percent hearing. This answered so many questions!
So, what now?
After an appointment with a hearing specialist (she ultimately needed tubes in her ears), we were told she would need to work with a Speech- Language Pathologist. This was life-changing for us and our daughter. Not only did our Speech Language Pathologist help with behavioral issues that come from lack of hearing, but helped her move forward in school, with reading, overall social skills and understanding.
Talking with Prairie Sprout – Whole Child Development, and their team of speech-language experts, here are some signs that may indicate your child could benefit from seeing a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP):
- Difficulty understanding or following directions.
- Delayed speech or language development compared to peers.
- Stuttering or other speech fluency issues.
- Pronunciation errors that persist beyond a certain age.
- Struggling with reading or writing skills.
- Limited vocabulary or difficulty expressing thoughts.
- Avoiding communication altogether or showing frustration when trying to communicate.
- Social interaction difficulties, such as trouble with eye contact or turn-taking in conversations.
They also say that it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace but if you have any concerns about your child’s speech or language skills, it’s best to seek out the advice of a professional.
A Speech-Language Pathologist can assess your child’s skills and provide targeted interventions to help them reach their full potential. The ultimate goal of speech therapy is to enhance communication skills, improve quality of life, and enable individuals to participate fully in their personal, academic, and professional pursuits.
The Prairie Sprout – Whole Child Development’s Speech-Language Pathology team has many toys and tricks tucked away in our therapy bags. If you have questions or concerns about how your child’s speech and language skills are developing, please reach out for a free consultation. info@prairiesprout.ca. Follow us on Instagram for more information about your child’s development and how to help them thrive! @prairie.sprout
