Speech Therapy For Toddlers
Welcome to speech therapy for toddlers overview!
I created this page to give parents REAL and HONEST information! Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions.
speech therapy for toddlers
Does My Child Need Speech Therapy?
This is the most asked and the most difficult question to answer. We have free speech and language screening tools I recommend every parent read. It has good information on expected speech and language skills by age. HOWEVER, there is a range for what is considered normal.
If your child hasn't met a particular milestone, it DOES NOT mean he/she necessarily needs speech therapy. If you have a concern, seek advice. Why not? It doesn’t hurt. It can only help!
How Do I Get a Referral/Evaluation?
If you have a concern and you live in the United States, you have 3 options.
- Call your pediatrician and voice your concerns. Your doctor will recommend what to do next. You may receive a prescription for speech therapy
- .Call your local school district. If your child is less than 3 years of age, he or she may qualify for the birth to three program. This program is a state-run program. If your child qualifies for speech, physical, or occupational therapy, therapists will come to your house weekly for therapy. Once you call your local school district, a case manager will contact you and help you with the next steps. Note: There is a sliding scale in some states. It isn’t always free! Many people, including myself, thought it was free. If your child is over 3 years of age, the process starts the same. However, if your child qualifies, he/she would start in early childhood or receive speech itinerant services.
- Call your insurance company and ask if speech therapy is a covered service. If it is, look up providers in your network and/or ask around for recommendations for a private speech therapist. Schedule a consultation or evaluation with this therapist.
What Does Speech Therapy for Toddlers Look Like?
Many parents will say…."my child’s speech therapist just plays with him/her. Should she be doing more?"
I understand this concern; however, if your child’s speech therapist is playing with your child, that is GREAT news! This is exactly what she should be doing. Speech therapy for toddlers is all about play since play is how a toddler learns best. Remember that toddlers don’t learn like adults learn. They learn when information is functional, natural, and interesting. There is nothing more functional, natural, or interesting than play for a toddler!
HOWEVER, the “play” is extremely purposeful and a lot of work for the therapist. She is continually assessing your child’s progress, adjusting activities to your child's interests, and working on developing speech and language skills.
Your therapist should be on the ground, playing with whatever interests your child and targeting speech and language skills. He/she may be:
- Modeling target sounds
- Modeling language structures/vocabulary
- Creating opportunities for language
- Practicing turn taking skills
- Etc…
Please ASK what your therapist is doing and why so you can learn what to do when she leaves!
What Can I Do At Home?
There is A LOT you can do at home! What you should do at home will depend on the needs of your child. Below is a list of ideas so you can get started today:
- Toddler Talk 2.0: 10-week language boosting program
- Language Games: Games for all speech & language skills
- How To Talk To Child: This can make a HUGE difference!
- How to Play With Toddler: Play and work on language skills
- Late-Talker: Games to help a late-talker
- Members: Our membership program has lots of specific ideas on how to help develop different speech/language skills at home depending on your child’s age.
How Long Will My Child Be In Therapy?
This question is impossible to answer. No one knows! Every child is different and progresses at a different rate.
Check out our speech therapy for toddlers tips for faster progress to help things along!
Should my child learn sign language or use an alternative communication device?
The answer to this question will depend on your child’s needs and abilities.
Many people think using sign language or an alternative communication device will delay a child from talking. There is nothing that could be further from the truth. Instead, anything that sparks communication whether it be verbal or nonverbal, is a GREAT thing. Talking is the path of least resistance and a child will always choose the path of least resistance if possible.
However, if a child cannot speak for whatever reason, he/she NEEDS another way to communicate wants, needs, and ideas in the meantime. Once a child can speak, he/she will, I promise!
If you have questions, please contact us
Sign up for more free info and games 🙂