Is your child struggling with talking? UK Speech Language Pathology Clinic can help.

With speech and language disorders ranking among the most common disabilities in children, parents and caregivers are encouraged to learn the signs – and seek an evaluation – if they have concerns about their child’s ability to communicate. The providers of the UK Speech Language Pathology Clinic are experts in helping evaluate and treat these types of disorders in its new location at the Good Samaritan Professional Arts Center.

Because May is nationally recognized as Better Hearing and Speech Month, the providers of the UK Speech Language Pathology Clinic are here to offer timely guidance for families.

Why seeking help is important

The development of strong communication skills is extremely important, yet common misconceptions and myths remain. One is that children will generally “outgrow” speech and language difficulties. Unfortunately, this myth often delays treatment. Of course, some children are indeed “late bloomers,” yet treatment is frequently necessary, too. Good communication skills are crucial and help with behavior, learning, reading, social skills and friendships. It is much easier, more effective and less costly to treat speech and language disorders early.

Speech and language disorders are evaluated and treated by speech-language pathologists.

Speech is the ability to produce speech sounds using the mouth, lips and tongue. A child may say sounds the wrong way, repeat sounds and words, or be otherwise difficult to understand.

Language is the ability to use and put words together and to understand others’ words. A child may have trouble understanding questions, following directions or naming objects. Early speech and language treatment sets a child up for future academic and social success.

What you need to watch for

Here are some of the warning signs for parents to keep an eye on in young children:

• Does not babble (4-7 months)
• Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7-12 months)
• Does not understand what others say (7 months-2 years)
• Says only a few words (12-18 months)
• Says p, b, m, h and w incorrectly in words (1-2 years)
• Words are not easily understood (18 months-2 years)
• Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5-3 years)
• Says k, g, f, t, d and n incorrectly in words (2-3 years)
• Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2-3 years)
• Repeating the first sounds of words, like “b-b-b-ball” for “ball” (any age)
• Stretching sounds out, like “fffffarm” for “farm” (any age)

For school-age children, warning signs may include the following:

• Has trouble following directions.
• Has problems reading and writing.
• Does not always understand what others say.
• Is not understood by others.
• Has trouble talking about thoughts or feelings.

The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) offers parents these tips to encourage a child’s communication development:

For young children

• Talk, read, and play with your child.
• Listen and respond to what your child says.
• Talk with your child in the language that you are most comfortable using.
• Teach your child to speak another language, if you speak one.
• Talk about what you do and what your child does during the day.
• Use a lot of different words with your child.
• Use longer sentences as your child gets older.
• Have your child play with other children.
• Limit screen time (iPad, iPhone, TV). See the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for media use in young children.

For elementary-age children

• Have your child re-tell stories and talk about their day.
• Talk with your child about what you do during the day. Give them directions to follow.
• Talk about how things are the same and how things are different.
• Give your child chances to write.
• Read every day. Find books or magazines that interest your child.

Although treatment ideally begins early – in the toddler years – it is never too late to get treatment. The large majority of parents report significant improvement after treatment. Families can learn more and find help at http://IdentifytheSigns.org and asha.org/public.

The UK Speech Language Pathology Clinic is now accepting pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients in its new location at the Good Samaritan Professional Arts Center (PAC), located at 135 East Maxwell Street, Suite 402. Free parking is available on site. To schedule an appointment, please contact the clinic at 859-257-7918.