The True Value Of Pediatric Speech Therapy

By Cornelia White


It can be heartbreaking for parent or caregiver to discover that their child or ward is facing difficulties communicating in a manner that many take for granted. Talking is such a routine activity for many people that they often fail to fathom the challenges that children face in acquiring and using a language. Pediatric speech therapy is helpful in cases where children have a hard time mastering verbal communication processes.

The professional therapist who is selected to help the child should be one who has been trained and certified in helping children with speech-related challenges. One of the first things that the therapist will do is try to identify the underlying cause for the impediment. This may be something physical or psychological and it is very important that the specialist be able to factor these two variables into any evaluation of the patient.

Most linguists support the theory that language production is essentially the result of a collaboration between the brain and the language related body parts. They also recognize that it is an intricate process.Disruptions in this process are usually related to cognitive deficiencies. These deficiencies manifest themselves as psychological barriers to speech.

In some cases, the child was progressing well in acquiring and using the language but suddenly stopped. In these cases traumatic events such as accidents, abuse or death of a loved one are investigated. The investigation often takes the form of an interview with the interviewees being the child as well as the guardians. The therapist, in this case, will apply a variety of coaching methods designed to coax the patient into becoming more comfortable with language use again.

Mental or learning disabilities also affect the pace and level of language acquisition in a child. Conditions like Autism and Verbal Apraxia pose challenges to children as they try to use language. The fact that most of these disorders originate in the brain accounts for the associated language deficiencies. Speech therapists are able to help these children cope with the challenges of learning to use oral language.

For many children who face this condition, there is a physical reason for the problem. This is sometimes remedied through surgical procedures that range from minor to severe depending on the severity of the physical condition. Impediments such as abnormally shaped lips, teeth and oral cavity can all hinder a child's ability to use spoken language. Sometimes these conditions emerge during the fetal development. In other cases they are the result of violent force sustained during abuse or accidents.

Often, in cases where it is suspected that physical conditions hinder speech performance, the therapist will refer the patient to a facility that offers the surgical correction for evaluation. After the physical issue has been addressed, therapy may begin. This is why it is so important for surgeons and therapists to work closely together.

Language acquisition and use is by no means the simple effortless process that many perceive it to be. Parents and care givers of children who display signs of challenges with language use ought to be aware of one critical fact. Pediatric speech therapy can make a remarkable difference in the life of a child who struggles with oral communication.




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