Language delays in children can be very frustrating for their parents, teachers, and friends. Not being able to communicate verbally makes it very difficult for children with speech delays to interact with others around them and to feel like they have choices in their daily lives. In addition, needs and wants often go unmet in children who have speech delays. Getting therapy is the best way to help these children take control of their speech and their lives.
Communication
Without speech therapy, children who have speech delays must find other ways to communicate with those around them. Unfortunately, nonverbal communication such as hand gestures and body language will only get a child so far. While there are communication books and devices to help a child with a delay communicate, speech therapy in Anchorage is the best way to give them the words they need to express themselves fully.
Learn Social Skills
Social skills are hard enough to learn as it is, but when children do not have the words to use when interacting with others, they will usually have delayed social skills as well. Knowing how to act in certain situations and what to say in response to common questions from adults and other children is important and is a skill that children can learn in speech therapy.
Improve Reading
Reading and literacy are greatly affected by communication skills. Being able to communicate with words will increase a child’s desire to read, and reading will also improve communication.
If you think that your child may have a speech delay, do not wait in taking them to the doctor and having them evaluated. The younger your child is when you have an intervention, the better the outcome. It’s important to find a qualified and experienced therapist to help your child with their speech.
