Frequently Asked Questions
Are parents involved in providing speech-language therapy?
Yes. Parents are furnished suggested ways in which they may help their child develop better speech/language skills. If the therapist thinks it would prove beneficial, the student may be assigned home activities to reinforce the skills being addressed in the therapy sessions.
Will my child miss classroom
activities to attend speech therapy?
Possibly. Direct speech/language therapy sessions are provided in a small group setting, and are usually 20 to 30 minutes in length. Many students may attend these sessions once or twice a week. The amount of minutes depends on the severity of the disorder. Whenever possible, the sessions are scheduled around reading and mathematics instruction times in the classroom.
How long will my child need speech-language services?
The length of time in the program varies, depending upon the type and severity of the disorder. A yearly assessment of the student's progress and needs assists the speech and language therapist in determining if a new IEP should be developed for the follow year, or if the child should be recommended for dismissal from the program.
What types of tests are administered during a speech-language evaluation?
Articulation tests are administered to assess speech sound development. There are also various language and vocabulary tests. Many tests involve labeling or pointing to pictures, defining vocabulary, providing similarities and differences, and answering questions. The speech and language pathologist will choose the tests that are most appropriate for your child's needs. A full speech and language evaluation will assess both speech and language skills.
What causes a speech or language disorder?
There are many possible causes. Recurrent ear infections can cause delays in speech in language. A child may have a temporary hearing loss until approximately six weeks after the ear infection has cleared. Children learn speech sounds by listening to others. If a child has a hearing loss, delays will be noted. Some children are born with an inadequately formed oral cavity, which will cause difficulty forming sounds. A child needs appropriate muscle strength and coordination to speak correctly. Severe illness can also be the cause of speech and language disorders. For example, meningitis can cause deafness, mental retardation, and language disorders. Infants born premature are at a higher risk for communication delays. Children who have experienced brain damage may also have difficulty in the area of speech and language. Unfortunately, many times the cause of a speech or language problem can not be identified.
Can parents cause speech and language delays?
No. Parents are not to blame for their child's speech and language problems. Many children need help because of individual differences and their reactions to their environment.
What can I do to help my child communicate better?
Listen to what your child is saying while ignoring his/her errors. Ask others around your child to ignore mistakes as well. Provide your child with a slow verbal model, or repeat your child's utterance correctly. Try to give your child undivided attention while he/she is communicating. Let your child know that what he/she says is important.
