Speech therapy can be beneficial for toddlers and infants from as young as three months of age.
Language learning begins in childhood, long before children start writing their first words. Early language acquisition begins in childhood. They are the first steps a child takes to express their feelings, thoughts, and desires.
Nonverbal children must be able to communicate effectively even if they are not verbal. This is important because it allows children to learn how to communicate and helps them understand the world around their home.
Speech therapy is often thought of as verbal communication. This includes speaking correctly and pronouncing sounds correctly. Speech therapy encompasses language comprehension, social skills, and all aspects of written and oral communication.
Speech therapy can help improve communication skills for young children and babies beyond speech. These skills include:
Non Verbal Communication
Speech therapy for toddlers is a way to help toddlers and infants communicate. This could include using gestures or facial expressions to communicate their needs and desires. Young children who struggle to communicate their thoughts may be more likely to have behavioral problems. Speech therapy can help children develop and thrive as communicators by giving them a solid foundation in the language.
Social Skills
Communication (also known as pragmatics) is how children use language in social interactions. Children are starting to make emotional connections and form relationships at an early age. Social skills are not something that comes easily to all children. This can make it difficult for them once they start school and socialize with their peers.
Speech therapy is a social development program that focuses on the ability to match emotions with facial expressions, identify body language and social cues and teach turn-taking. It also teaches how to follow directions and interact with people in different settings.
Cognitive Development
Children’s brains develop rapidly from the time they are born to around age 5. Cognitive abilities can have a profound impact on a child’s daily life. They affect their working memory, reasoning, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness. For children to be independent and healthy, it is important to have strong language and communication skills.
Basic Literacy Skills
Writing, reading, and spelling all fall under the umbrella of language-based activities, a strong foundation in language skills is essential to excel academically and improve literacy skills. Children’s early language development is crucial for them to develop phonological awareness, which allows them to identify different sounds in a word and then map the sounds onto printed words. This skill is essential to help children become proficient readers. It is also the foundation for writing, spelling, and comprehension so that they can understand what they are reading.
How Can I Tell If My Toddler Requires Speech Therapy?
We’ve already established the importance of speech therapy. Let’s now focus on signs your child might benefit from intervention. Every child is unique and each child has a different developmental path. Your child may not be displaying certain behaviors, but that doesn’t mean they won’t catch up. If you notice that your child is not reaching milestones appropriate to their age, talk with your doctor.
0-12 Month Milestones
Not smiling and not noticing others: Around the age of three months, children start to notice others around them. When you speak to your child, your child should start smiling or reacting.
Baby noises: After a few months, the adorable baby giggles start. Toddlers start to experiment with their vocal cords, making many different sounds. They should still be making sounds throughout the day, even though they aren’t able to speak clearly.
