What is Speech and Language Therapy?
Speech and language therapists (SaLT’s) provide life-improving treatment, support and care for children who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing. SaLT’s assess and treat speech, language and communication difficulties in children to help them engage and participate with peers and adults. Specifically trained SaLT’s also assess, treat and support people who have eating and difficulties.
Is it better to stick to one language or keep both/all languages? Can exposure to two languages cause language delay?
According to the American Speech Hearing Association, “Speaking more than one language has benefits. You can talk to more people, and your speech and thinking skills may be stronger.” Research says that children learn two languages at the same pace as other children who are learning only one language. Language delays can still happen among bilingual population, but bilingualism itself is not the main cause of it.
My child keeps mixing their languages. Does this mean they have a language disorder?
Mixing languages is a common characteristic of bilingual or multilingual development. This involves combining spoken words from different languages in one utterance. When a child mixes two or more languages, this does not necessarily mean they have a language disorder. If you are concerned about your child experiencing difficulties with developing their languages and in communicating their needs and wants, consult a Speech and Language Therapist.
Why is my child not talking yet?
Following typical language development, children are expected to use single words by 12 months, have two-word combinations at 24 months and phrases by 36 months. Numerous factors can impact why a child is not talking yet. It can be rooted in problems with hearing, understanding, muscle coordination and planning, limited attention and listening skills or poor language stimulation from the environment. If you have any speech and/or language concerns, the best step is to consult a Speech and Language Therapist.
How many sessions does my child have in order to catch up with their peers?
Every therapist’s goal is to close or reduce the gap between your child’s current skills and that of their expected skills based on their chronological age, the number of therapy sessions will depend on several factors. These include the severity of the delay or disorder, areas they have difficulty with, your child’s working behaviours, follow-up at home and readiness to learn. Speech and Language Therapists conduct dynamic and on-going assessment during therapy sessions to determine and analyse the effectiveness of techniques and strategies, prompt stimulability and performance of your child.
My child is copying what I say when I give them instructions or ask questions, should I seek a Speech and Language Therapy assessment?
Imitation is part of language development. This is one of the pre-requisite skills for spoken language acquisition. As the child grows older, copying or imitating decreases and they learn to answer questions. In typically developing children, repetition of what you say (echolalia) is present from ages 18 months to 30 months of age. If at 3-4 years old and your child repeats everything you say, a consultation with a Speech and Language Therapist is recommended.
My child is not talking. Should I wait until they go to school before consulting a Speech and Language Therapist?
No! If you have any concerns, trust your instincts and consult a Speech and Language Therapist. Research shows that early intervention has the best outcomes, so waiting until your child attends school could limit their potential success.
Why is my child struggling to say certain sounds?
All children display ‘Phonological processes’ as develop their speech and language skills. (link to elimination of phono processes – Caroline Bowen https://www.speech-language-therapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31:table3&catid=11:admin&Itemid=117 ). These processes are gradually eliminated as they grow. If you’re concerned, consult a Speech and Language Therapist.
Does my child need a formal diagnosis to start intervention/therapy?
No. It is not compulsory to have a formal diagnosis before starting therapy in the UAE. Therapists work with the child based on their needs whether they have a diagnosis or not. However, it can be helpful to schools if they have a formal diagnosis from a professional (e.g. developmental pediatrician or psychologist).
Are gadgets and apps helpful in supporting my child’s speech and language development?
They can be. Have a look at our insta live video on screen time for more information. Click here
Will my child benefit from only one hour of therapy once a week?
Yes, as long as we ensure carryover of goals and techniques advised by a professional Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) at home and school. The SaLT develops a therapy plan and shares strategies with parents and other keyworkers so that they can incorporate these within everyday activities at home and at school or nursery. This makes the strategies and techniques more functional and part of the child’s routine. Practice makes progress and repetition is key.