As a parent, it is natural to have questions about your child's speech and language development.
Maybe your child is difficult for other people to understand. Perhaps they are using fewer words than you expected, struggling to follow instructions or becoming frustrated when they can't communicate what they want.
You may find yourself wondering: Does my child just need more time, or should I speak with a speech pathologist?
There is no single answer that applies to every child. Children develop at different rates, but if you have ongoing concerns about your child's communication, speaking with a speech pathologist can help you understand what is happening and whether your child could benefit from additional support.
What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?
A speech pathologist supports people who have difficulties with communication, including speech and language.
For children, this may involve supporting areas such as:
Speech sound development
Vocabulary
Understanding language
Using language
Sentence development
Following instructions
Social communication
Conversation skills
Communication confidence
Literacy-related skills
A speech pathologist doesn't simply look at what a child is struggling with. They also consider their strengths, interests, environment and the ways they already communicate.
This helps therapy and recommendations become more personalised to the child.
When Should a Child See a Speech Pathologist?
You don't have to wait until a child starts school to seek advice about their communication.
It can be worthwhile speaking with a speech pathologist whenever you have ongoing concerns or feel that your child's communication is making everyday activities more difficult.
Here are some signs that it may be time to seek professional advice.
1. Your Child Is Difficult to Understand
If you frequently struggle to understand what your child is saying, you may wonder whether this is simply part of their development.
Some speech sound differences are expected as children learn to talk. However, if your child's speech continues to be difficult for family members, teachers or other children to understand, an assessment may help identify whether additional support would be beneficial.
2. Your Child Is Using Fewer Words Than Expected
You may notice that your child isn't using as many words as other children their age or isn't yet combining words in the way you expected.
Rather than relying on comparisons with other children, a speech pathologist can look at your child's individual communication skills and development.
3. Your Child Has Difficulty Understanding You
Sometimes the concern isn't what a child says, but what they understand.
You may notice that your child:
Has difficulty following instructions
Needs things repeated frequently
Struggles to answer questions
Has difficulty understanding new words
Becomes confused when instructions have multiple steps
Understanding language is an important part of communication, learning and participating in everyday activities.
4. Your Child Struggles to Express What They Want
Some children know what they want to communicate but have difficulty finding the words to express themselves.
They may point, use gestures, repeat the same words or become upset when others don't understand them.
When communication becomes frustrating, a speech pathologist can help identify what may be contributing to the difficulty and recommend appropriate support.
5. Your Child Has Difficulty With Conversations
As children grow, communication becomes more than saying individual words or sentences.
Children also learn how to participate in conversations, take turns, listen to others, ask questions and communicate appropriately in different situations.
If your child finds these interactions difficult, social communication support may be helpful.
6. Your Child's Teacher or Carer Has Raised a Concern
Sometimes parents aren't the first people to notice a communication difficulty.
A teacher, childcare educator or carer may notice that your child is having difficulty being understood, following instructions, participating in group activities or communicating with other children.
If someone who regularly interacts with your child raises a concern, it can be worth discussing this with a speech pathologist.
What If My Child Is Still Young?
You may have heard that you should "wait and see" because young children develop at different rates.
While it is true that children develop differently, you don't necessarily need to wait if you have concerns.
Speaking with a speech pathologist doesn't mean your child will automatically need ongoing therapy. An assessment can provide information about your child's current communication skills and help you understand whether further support is appropriate.
For some families, the outcome may simply be reassurance and some practical strategies to use at home.
What Happens During a Speech Pathology Assessment?
The assessment process will depend on your child's age, communication needs and the reason you're seeking support.
Your speech pathologist will usually begin by learning more about your child. This may include asking about their development, communication, interests and any concerns you've noticed.
They may then look at different aspects of your child's communication, such as speech sounds, language, understanding, vocabulary or social communication.
The assessment is not about putting pressure on your child to perform perfectly.
Children communicate differently depending on their environment, mood and familiarity with the people around them. Your speech pathologist will take this into account when considering your child's skills.
After the assessment, they can discuss what they have observed and provide recommendations for next steps.
Does My Child Need Speech Therapy After an Assessment?
Not necessarily.
An assessment and therapy are two different things.
An assessment helps you understand your child's communication skills and whether there are areas that may benefit from support.
Depending on the results, your speech pathologist may recommend:
Ongoing speech therapy
Strategies for parents and carers
Activities to practise at home
Monitoring your child's development
Support at preschool or school
Further assessment
No further intervention at this stage
The recommendation should be based on your child's individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Can a Speech Pathology Assessment Be Done Online?
For families who prefer telehealth, an assessment may be able to take place online depending on your child's needs.
A telehealth speech pathologist can meet with you and your child through a secure video appointment, allowing you to access support without travelling to a clinic.
This can be particularly useful for families who live outside metropolitan areas, have busy schedules or prefer the convenience of accessing support from home.
If you're looking for a speech pathologist online Australia wide, it's important to discuss your child's individual needs with the provider to determine whether telehealth is appropriate.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Support Early?
Communication affects many parts of a child's everyday life.
It can influence how they interact with family members, participate at school, play with other children and express their needs and feelings.
Getting professional advice early can help parents understand what their child needs and provide strategies that support communication development.
Early support doesn't mean rushing your child or expecting them to reach every milestone immediately.
Instead, it is about giving children the right opportunities and support at the right time.
What Can Parents Do at Home?
Parents play an important role in supporting their child's communication.
Simple everyday activities can create opportunities for children to practise their skills.
You can encourage communication by:
Reading books together
Talking about what you're doing
Following your child's interests during play
Giving your child time to respond
Expanding on the words your child uses
Encouraging your child to tell you about their day
Creating opportunities for your child to make choices
Celebrating their attempts to communicate
These activities don't need to feel like formal therapy. Everyday routines can provide plenty of opportunities for communication.
Trust Your Instincts
There is no need to wait until you're completely certain that something is wrong before asking for advice.
As a parent, you know your child well. If you feel that something about their communication isn't quite right, speaking with a professional can help you understand whether there is a reason for concern.
A speech pathologist for kids can assess your child's individual communication skills and help you understand what support, if any, may be appropriate.
At VK Speech Pathology, the focus is on providing personalised support that considers each child's individual strengths, needs and goals.
Whether your child needs ongoing therapy, practical strategies at home or simply reassurance, seeking professional advice can be a positive first step.
If you have concerns about your child's speech or language development, contact VK Speech Pathology to discuss your child's needs and find out whether an assessment could be right for your family.
