This Better Speech & Hearing Month, we’re highlighting five ways speech-language therapy (SLT) helps children increase their independence:

Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication: There’s a common misconception SLT is simply focused on verbal communication. However, it helps both verbal and non-verbal communication. For example, some kids may learn how to use devices to speak for them while others may focus on comprehension, pronoun usage or grammar.

Social Skills and Pragmatic Language: Often, children with limited or no functional speech experience delays in social skills. Through video modeling, role-playing or social stories, SLT helps boost these skills. Therapy also helps children gain pragmatic language so they can more effectively communicate, adapt their language to different settings or better follow rules of conversation.

Speech Intelligibility and Fluency: By working on articulation (i.e., the physical ability to move the tongue, lips, jaws and palate), SLT helps children learn how to produce specific sounds or address communication disorders like stuttering to improve fluency and intelligibility.

Feeding and Swallowing Issues: Speech-language therapists can offer extensive therapies and hands-on strategies, including exercises to strengthen muscles in the mouth and tongue, to help children overcome feeding or swallowing issues.

Educating and Empowering Parents: One of the best things SLT can do is help educate and empower parents. When equipped with knowledge, resources and confidence, parents can make a huge difference in furthering their children’s skills.

Every day, Kids for the Future therapists work with families to implement personalized therapy plans to build and strengthen children’s communication skills. If you have questions about SLT, please contact our clinics at 870-633-1737.