For parents, it’s natural to worry about your young children – are they hitting the right milestones? Is there reason for concern? But, like many of the parents we work with, there’s a good chance you might not know where to draw the line between letting your child develop at their own pace and needing to be concerned about their speech. To help give a little more guidance, we’ve collated some advice and tips to help you decipher when it may be time to contact a speech pathologist for your child.
This blog outlines some of the most common signs that meeting with a speech therapist Sydney could be beneficial for your child. If you’re looking for any further advice on your child’s development, or are ready to book an assessment with a specialist, reach out to the Chatterbox team today.
Trust Your Gut
Parents know their children best. If there are things concerning you about your child’s speech and language development, then chances are it will be worthwhile reaching out to an expert speech pathologist– even just to get some peace of mind. If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to express themselves, comprehend information, delayed language skills, or ability to understand others, then that is reason enough to look further into the situation.
Comparing Your Child
Spending time around other children can give you some of the best opportunities to notice if something’s a bit off with your child’s speech. We’d recommend contacting a specialist if you start to notice significant differences between your child and their peers. This may come down to their understanding, the way they’re able to process information, or could be as simple as the level of language and vocabulary with which they express themselves. Another sign that could mean further intervention would be helpful is if your child’s voice sounds noticeably different from other children’s – hoarser, more laboured, things like that.
Stutters and Lisps
Stutters are one of the easiest-to-spot signs of speech difficulties in young children. If you’re noticing stutters or lisps, it is entirely reasonable to want to book an assessment or chat with a specialist! Even these smaller things, which you may think your child will grow out of, can benefit from intervention and therapy. At times, stutters and lisps can potentially be signs of other developmental difficulties for your child, so it’s best to step in and assess early.
Concerns Raised from Others
Sometimes, we can be blind to our own child’s habits. Being so familiar with the way they communicate and express themselves can make us unable to quite notice that something may be a little off. If other parents, carers, or teachers raise concerns about your child’s speech and language to you, then it might be worth booking in an appointment with a specialist. Even if these are things you’ve dismissed as just a part of your child’s natural habits, it’s always better to check these things out and be sure.
Seeking Further Advice
If you’re uncertain as to what things you should be concerned about as opposed to what is a part of your child’s natural development, one of the first things you can do is turn to those immediately around you. It can be tricky to know what is and isn’t serious, so the simplest way to ease your mind is to chat to others in your life. Talking to other parents can help you to gain an understanding of whether your child’s habits are irregular, and talking to a pre-school teacher or carer about your child’s developments can likewise give you meaningful insight.
Call Chatterbox Today to Book an Assessment
Above all else, it’s important to know that intervention is always going to be the most preferred option. Even the smallest of language delays for a young child can become a larger issue as they grow older, enter school, and are learning to read and write. If in doubt, consulting with a speech therapist Penrith can help determine whether your child is reaching the necessary milestones needed for their development. If you’re looking to chat to a specialist, reach out to Chatterbox today, and we can organise an assessment for your child.