Articulation Therapy

Has your child been recently diagnosed with an articulation speech disorder? At Southern Pediatric Therapy Clinic, we understand how nerve-wracking it can be when your child faces a health or developmental issue of any kind. 

If you are searching for the best way to provide your child with the treatment they need, know that you do not have to approach this diagnosis alone. Our team of educated speech therapists is here to support your family during this time.  

Contact Southern Pediatric Therapy Clinic today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable speech therapists. We are prepared to address your child’s specific needs with a personalized treatment plan and improve their language skills starting today! 

What to expect from articulation therapy

Articulation therapy is a form of speech-language therapy and is a reliable form of treatment for many children with speech and/or language disorders.

If your child has an articulation disorder, this means they struggle to make certain sounds, and may say words incorrectly. This makes it difficult for them to communicate with you or their peers. For example, they may pronounce “say” as “thay” or “run” as “won.” This pronunciation tendency is known commonly as a lisp and is categorized as an articulation disorder. 

Expect your child to undergo a speaking evaluation during their first appointment with a speech therapist. Our staff constantly works with children, so we understand that when you’re a young kid, visiting a new healthcare provider can be intimidating. 

Your child’s initial evaluation is nothing like nerve-wracking tests in school, instead, we’ll simply ask your child to say certain sounds and words. And our kind and patient staff will be right beside you both to answer any questions you may have about the process.   

After your child’s therapist becomes familiar with their speaking patterns, a comprehensive treatment plan will be formed that focuses on the language areas your child struggles with the most.  

Your child’s treatment plan may include the following exercises:

  • Repetition activities where the therapist models correct sounds and syllables for your child to repeat. Depending on your child’s age, these exercises can incorporate elements of play. 
  • Tongue mechanic exercises where your child is shown how to properly move their tongue to make certain sounds.

As a parent, you will play an important role in your child’s treatment plan. Research shows that children who practice their speech exercises at home in between therapy sessions achieve better results throughout their therapy programs. 

Positive speech therapy outcomes are very dependent on practice, so helping your child practice their exercises at home is one of the best things you can do for them as they work to overcome their articulation disorder. 

Get started with treatment today!

Are you ready to help your child improve their speaking skills, confidence, and ability to communicate successfully with others? Contact Southern Pediatric Therapy Clinic today to speak with one of our dedicated speech therapists about developing a treatment plan for your child. We are looking forward to helping you and your child find a natural rhythm with their everyday speaking skills and patterns. We’re here to help you 100% of the way.

Sources: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/speech-therapy.html