Enabling A Child To Function In Society Through Pediatric Speech Therapy

By Cornelia White


It can be heartbreaking for parent or caregiver to discover that their child or ward is facing difficulties communicating in a manner that many take for granted. Talking is such a routine activity for many people that they often fail to fathom the challenges that children face in acquiring and using a language. Pediatric speech therapy is helpful in cases where children have a hard time mastering verbal communication processes.

The first step in the treatment process is discovering the root cause of the impediment. This is the first step that a trained and experienced juvenile therapist will take in addressing the child's speech-related issues. The therapist may do this by interviewing the parents or guardians and the child being treated.The factors that cause reticence in children are usually either physical or psychological.

Linguists agree that language is the result of a collaborative effort between the brain and the body parts that allow speech to occur. At times there are hindrances that disrupt the message. These are classified as psychological or mental challenges and a part of the speech therapist's job is to ensure that the patient is equipped with the skills necessary to handle the challenges they face.

Psychological barriers to verbal communication are often associated with traumatic experiences. To identify the specific trauma, the therapist may investigate the child's history to single out incidents such as violent accidents that may mark the beginning of the change. Once the situation is identified the process of restoration and therapeutic care can begin.

Sometimes the language usage challenge has its roots in learning or mental disabilities. Children with special needs, which include conditions like Autism and Verbal Apraxia are among those who suffer from language deficiencies. Special needs children often need the help of a speech therapist to help them master oral self expression skills and cope with the frustrations of being misunderstood.

Misshapen teeth or other structural problems in the oral cavity are typically the most obvious causes of barriers to speaking. Many times they are the result of developmental lapses that occur during the fetal stage. At other times they may be caused by physical trauma sustained in accidents or by some other violent means.

For physical problems that lead to speaking barriers one solution may be surgical. Whenever therapists realize this, they refer their patients to professionals who specialize in surgical remedies. After the surgery is completed therapeutic sessions will still be needed to help the child. It is clear to see therefore, why there needs to be close relationship between the therapists and the surgical medical practitioners.

Language acquisition and use is not as simple as most people perceive it to be.If you are a caregiver for a child who shows signs of slow or impaired adjustment to language use, you are no doubt well aware of this fact. There is, however, one additional piece of information that you must consider. That piece of information is the fact that pediatric speech therapy is a crucial aspect of the recovery process for any child who faces a speech impediment.




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