As parents, we want the best for our children, and their speech and language development play a crucial role in their overall growth. Sometimes, children may face challenges in this area, which is why Butter Fish Services prioritise providing quality speech pathology.
What is a Speech Pathologist?
A speech pathologist, also known as a speech-language therapist, is a specialist who works with children to assess, diagnose, and treat speech and language disorders. At Butter Fish, our speech pathologists possess the knowledge and skills to help children overcome communication challenges and improve their overall communication abilities, so that they can achieve their personal goals and reach their full potential.
Signs Your Child May Need a Speech Pathologist
Delayed Speech & Language
If your child is not meeting speech and language milestones within the expected time frame, such as babbling by 12 months, saying single words by 18 months, or using simple sentences by 24 months, it could be an indicator of a speech delay.
Difficulty Understanding
Trouble comprehending and following age-appropriate instructions may suggest a receptive language disorder. For example, your child might struggle telling the difference between basic concepts like “in,” “on,” or “under” or not respond appropriately to simple commands.
Limited Vocabulary
When a child’s vocabulary significantly lags behind that of their peers and they struggle with the acquisition of new words over time, it may indicate a language delay or disorder.
Articulation Issues
Persistent difficulties in producing speech sounds or pronounced speech errors beyond the expected age range may point to an articulation disorder. For instance, if your child struggles with certain sounds or consistently replaces one sound with another.
Stuttering
If your child experiences repeated disruptions in their speech flow, such as repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, prolonged sounds, or blocks where they struggle to produce a sound.
Lack of Social Communication Skills
Difficulty in engaging in age-appropriate social interactions, like maintaining eye contact, taking turns during conversations, or understanding nonverbal cues such as facial expressions or body language, might indicate a social communication disorder.
Persistent Hoarseness or Voice Problem
Should your child frequently experience hoarseness, vocal strain, or exhibit unusual vocal quality, it may be a sign of a voice disorder that requires assessment and intervention from a speech pathologist.
When it comes to your child’s communication needs, Butter Fish Services offers exceptional speech pathologists who are dedicated to helping your child reach their full potential. Our team of experienced professionals understand the unique challenges children face. Together with parents and caregivers, we create personalised treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs. With a warm and friendly approach, our speech pathologists make therapy sessions engaging and enjoyable for children.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, or have concerns about your child’s communication skills, we encourage you to take the next step. Book a consultation with our talented speech pathologists at Butter Fish Services, and let us provide the support your child deserves. Together, we can help your child build strong communication skills for a brighter future.