Toddler Speech Therapy

 

 

Hey Y’all,

I’m so excited to be sharing a bit of our Speech Therapy Experience. As well as some professional insight from my friend, Victoria Ncube, an incredible Pediatric SLP. I found out that sometimes speech development can intertwine with occupational therapy. That’s why I also brought my friend, Diamond Rashad into the discussion. She is an amazing Pediatric OT.

Let’s start with some questions I’ve received about speech!

When did I suspect we needed Speech Therapy?

Around eighteen months I really started to gage that Micah’s language was behind other children his age. He was communicating his needs, but more so with gestures/sounds. I decided to give it some time as all kids develop at different rates. I took him into settings that would push his language to grow and didn’t see the progress I wanted.

As his third birthday approached, I requested a referral. He was saying words, but not phrases. He had a hard time with making certain sounds, that his tongue tie contributed to.

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What advice do I have?

I think there is no harm in getting an evaluation if you feel your child needs help. There is no shame in getting therapy. I think early intervention is the best thing I could’ve done for my son. If your child does require therapy. I’d just say be patient, progress will come. It is so rewarding when all the hard work pays off.

Okay, some words from the pros!

What are some speech/development myths you wish would disappear?

Victoria Ncube SLP – “The one that comes to mind for me is that bilingualism causes speech delays. Also, that diagnoses such as Down Syndrome or Autism shouldn’t learn two languages. Research has shown bilingualism to have many benefits, including improved multitasking and perspective taking. It also protects against cognitive decline. Bilingual children are expected to meet speech milestones in the same timeframes as monolingual children.”

“Unfortunately, some medical providers/therapists advise to stick to one language if caretakers are concerned. This has many negative consequences. Not only is the patient missing out on positive aspects of bilingualism, but also the family. They may feel pressured to communicate to the child in their second language, in which they may not be as confident.”

Okay let me just say, Victoria is a passionate therapist, and that’s exactly the advocate I’d want for my child. Someone who is willing to do the work and time to give each patient the best outcome.

 

What is something I can do at home to benefit my child’s language/development?

Diamond Rashad OT— “Take off the pressure and have fun! Join in play without an end goal in mind. Focus on the process. Imitate and repeat! Repetition builds connections. When play is child-led you’d be surprised where they take you! Break things into small steps, bring the activity to your child’s level.”

Victoria Ncube SLP – “I often joke with parents I work with that they should be the Morgan Freeman of their child’s life. By that, I mean narrate everything. Talk about what you are doing, what others are doing, what your child is doing, and what you see.”

E.g., “Mommy is cutting the apple. You put your shoes on. Look at that big, blue truck, its going fast!”

“Children learn language from hearing language and talking about familiar routines with frequent repetition.”

What are some signings my child may need speech/occupational therapy?

Victoria Ncube SLP – “Some milestones we look for around 12 months, using gestures such as waving/pointing. Between 18 months to 2 years, a child should start putting two words together, and have at least 50 words in their vocabulary. You should understand 50% of your child’s speech at age 2, 75% at age 3, and 90% at age 4. If you’re ever concerned, don’t hesitate to discuss with your pediatrician. Request a referral for an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist.”

“Even if your child doesn’t qualify for therapy, an evaluation will determine how their skills compare to other children their age, and an SLP can give you tailored recommendations. That way your child can stay on track. If you feel your concerns are dismissed, consider switching care. You know your child best, and that makes you the most important member of your child’s care team.”

 Diamond Rashad OT— “Difficulty with calming skills/dealing with frustration are signs. Restrictive eating, eating less than 2 foods, avoiding more than one food group, never returning to a certain food. Difficulty with attention where it impacts play, learning, or social participation. Sensitive to distractions/input in their environment or seeks out distraction.”

 Wow, such wonderful insight from these ladies. I appreciate you both for taking time out share in this blog!

 

Victoria Ncube, Pediatric SLP

@Vctria_elzbth on Instagram

 

Diamond Rashad, OT

@darlingdrdime & @watchthemglow on Instagram

 

Alright, let me wrap this up by saying how proud I am of my little guy. Speech therapy discussions weren’t something I found happening, and it caused me to feel like a failure in motherhood. I want to change that narrative for the next. Our speech journey continues, and I’ll be sharing little peaks, and activities we do over on my Instagram @shorttecake.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if I didn’t cover something you wanted to know in this blog. I’m always up for a chat.

XO, 

Disclaimer: This is not a blog to give parenting advice. I’m just sharing from our personal experience. The professionals in this blog are giving their insight. This is not a recommendation to seek therapy. Just seeking to ease a worried mind.