Good clear communication is a crucial element of everyday life for most people. Not having strong language skills is a serious problem that can lead to a lack of confidence as well as limiting job options and social interactions. Many people, especially children become very self conscious about any issues, however small they may seem. Getting the right professional help can make all the difference and get their lives back on track.
The younger the child is when they receive help the better the outcome. Many children are referred to a speech therapy Tampa office as young as a year old. Even at this stage there is a lot that can be done to help them. Low muscle tone is a neurologically based condition that affects a surprising number of children. It is usually diagnosed at birth or shortly afterwards. Getting help early will improve the chances of the child leading a normal life.
Before they are a year old children can receive enormous benefits from working with a therapist. They can be encouraged to participate in simple exercises that help to strengthen their mouth and tongue muscles. The tongue is a key component in effective speech and must be trained to work effectively. Breath control is also very important and there are many fun activities that youngsters enjoy that will help them develop the important skills to become talkers.
Parents are usually the first people to recognize that there may be a problem. They see other children talking and know that their own child is experiencing a delay. There is a distinct separation between spoken and receptive language skills.
Schools also provide speech and language services to young students. Larger districts often have their own therapist on staff who is available to work with the child on a daily basis. The child will have an Individualized Education Program written, often just called an IEP. This document is very important as it will outline the extent of the services and the goals for each school year.
It is vital that the parents keep in touch with the therapists and help their child at home. No matter how much work is done in school, it must continue through the long vacations, especially summer. Most therapists are very good at helping parents and putting together supplemental work to solidify skills and prevent regression. Children should also be exposed to as much language as possible, either through books or by playing with other children.
Therapist provide both group and individual sessions to their clients. A combination of both is often the best plan. Children are typically motivated by others and being part of a language rich environment is very helpful. They will also have the opportunity to learn social skills such as taking turns and waiting in line.
Gradually with regular therapeutic sessions most children will begin to use spoken language as their primary means of communication. All efforts should be carefully coordinated between home, school and the therapist. Parents are key players are really need to educate themselves to help their child.
The younger the child is when they receive help the better the outcome. Many children are referred to a speech therapy Tampa office as young as a year old. Even at this stage there is a lot that can be done to help them. Low muscle tone is a neurologically based condition that affects a surprising number of children. It is usually diagnosed at birth or shortly afterwards. Getting help early will improve the chances of the child leading a normal life.
Before they are a year old children can receive enormous benefits from working with a therapist. They can be encouraged to participate in simple exercises that help to strengthen their mouth and tongue muscles. The tongue is a key component in effective speech and must be trained to work effectively. Breath control is also very important and there are many fun activities that youngsters enjoy that will help them develop the important skills to become talkers.
Parents are usually the first people to recognize that there may be a problem. They see other children talking and know that their own child is experiencing a delay. There is a distinct separation between spoken and receptive language skills.
Schools also provide speech and language services to young students. Larger districts often have their own therapist on staff who is available to work with the child on a daily basis. The child will have an Individualized Education Program written, often just called an IEP. This document is very important as it will outline the extent of the services and the goals for each school year.
It is vital that the parents keep in touch with the therapists and help their child at home. No matter how much work is done in school, it must continue through the long vacations, especially summer. Most therapists are very good at helping parents and putting together supplemental work to solidify skills and prevent regression. Children should also be exposed to as much language as possible, either through books or by playing with other children.
Therapist provide both group and individual sessions to their clients. A combination of both is often the best plan. Children are typically motivated by others and being part of a language rich environment is very helpful. They will also have the opportunity to learn social skills such as taking turns and waiting in line.
Gradually with regular therapeutic sessions most children will begin to use spoken language as their primary means of communication. All efforts should be carefully coordinated between home, school and the therapist. Parents are key players are really need to educate themselves to help their child.
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