New to Speech Therapy? What to Expect
Entering the world of speech therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when it's new territory for you and your child. But rest assured, it's a journey filled with hope and progress. In this blog post, we will discuss what you can expect while on this journey with your little one.
The Evaluation Process
Starting speech therapy often begins with an evaluation, which might have a wait time before the appointment. While it can be tedious, this step is essential. The evaluation provides a baseline for your child's speech and language abilities, helping the therapist understand what areas to target during therapy and track progress effectively. Be prepared to fill out medical history forms and provide information about your child's development and any concerns you have. Some waiting time may occur while the therapist compiles the evaluation results. Don't worry; you haven't been forgotten. Once completed, you'll receive the scores and explanations, helping you understand your child's needs and potential qualification for services. Check out this article with an in depth explanation of what can be expected in an evaluation here.
Connecting with Your Therapist
Once therapy begins, you'll meet your child's speech therapist. The first session may involve discussing the therapy plan and strategies. Like any relationship, it's essential to feel comfortable and confident with the therapist. This connection extends to both your child and you as parents, creating a nurturing environment that paves the way for a positive and effective therapy experience. This session is most important because here is where you will begin to understand and create a structure that will help your child’s progress. Do not be afraid to ask any and all questions you may have.
Work at Home: Your Role in the Journey
As the therapy progresses, your involvement becomes vital. Your therapist may provide at-home activities to support your child's progress between sessions. These activities, known as carryover activities, reinforce what's being worked on during therapy. If you don't receive any at-home activities, don't hesitate to ask for some. Your active participation at home enhances your child's development and accelerates their progress.
In addition to Mondy’s Mission storybook, there are supplemental activity books that will help keep your child engaged in between sessions as well! These activity books are interactive and engaging and are perfect to complete with your little one after taking off on a galactic adventure with your favorite little alien friend! You can access Mondy’s activity books here!
Therapeutic Techniques and Fun Activities
Speech therapy sessions are designed to be engaging and enjoyable for your child.
Therapists often use a variety of techniques, such as play-based activities, picture cards, and interactive games, to make learning fun and effective. Children learn best when they're having a good time, so expect your child to come home excited about what they did during the session.
Setting Goals and Measuring Progress
As therapy progresses, your child's therapist will set specific goals tailored to their needs. These goals are designed to address the speech or language difficulties your child is experiencing. Regular progress evaluations will help track your child's development, and the therapist will adjust the therapy plan accordingly. These evaluations can be exciting, especially as you are noticing an upward trend in your child’s development. Do not get discouraged if your child seems to be developing slowly, your therapist will make the necessary adjustments when and where appropriate.
Celebrating Milestones
Speech therapy is a journey filled with small and significant milestones. As your child progresses and achieves their goals, be sure to celebrate each accomplishment. These milestones signify your child's growth and success, bringing them closer to improved communication skills and greater confidence. Celebrations, even ‘small ones’ will help encourage your child to keep pushing forward, even on the hard days.
Teamwork with Your Child's School
If your child is attending school, the speech therapist may collaborate with teachers to ensure that your child's communication needs are supported consistently. This collaboration fosters a unified approach to your child's development, promoting consistent progress both at school and during therapy sessions. The more positive collaborations your child engages in, the stronger their foundation for cohesive and seamless communication becomes.
Questions and Communication
Throughout the speech therapy journey, don't hesitate to ask questions and communicate with your child's therapist. Your insights into your child's strengths, interests, and challenges are invaluable and can help shape the therapy plan. A strong partnership between you and the therapist is essential for your child's success.
The Takeaway
Remember, each child's speech therapy journey is unique. Embrace the process, be patient, and celebrate every milestone achieved. With the support of a caring therapist and your dedication, your child will find their voice and flourish in their communication skills. The journey might have its challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. The progress your child makes will not only impact their communication abilities but also their overall confidence and self-expression. As you embark on this journey together, know that you are laying the foundation for a bright and successful future for your child.
Don’t forget that while this new journey is overwhelming, the Mondy’s Mission team has your back! Make sure you sign up for our newsletter where you will receive plenty of tips, practical advice, and support to help you navigate this journey with your little one!
