Paediatric Speech Pathologist/ Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in general work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat people with speech, language, social communication, and swallowing disorders. They work with infants, toddlers, school-aged children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics in a variety of settings including homes, schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and private practises. 

A paediatric speech pathologist is a professional that holds specialized knowledge in treating children. They are qualified to see a range of ages and diagnosis. Most often, a paediatric SLP works with children experiencing a speech and language delay or disorder. This may involve improving their verbal skills, non-verbal communication, or helping them overcome a speech sound disorder that is preventing them from communicating effectively. 

If your child is having difficulty communicating, it is worth speaking to your GP about getting a referral to see a speech pathologist. 

Benefits of Paediatric Speech Therapy 

One of the benefits of paediatric speech pathology is that it can help children with their communication and social skills. A speech therapist will be able to identify any potential problems and put in place strategies to help the child communicate better with both their peers and adults. 

This can be a massive help for children who are struggling to communicate. The therapist will work with the child to develop their skills, and this can lead to a reduction of communication frustrations. As the child begins to feel more confident in their abilities, they will start to integrate better into social situations. 

How to Find a Trusted Paediatric Speech Pathologist 

Now that you understand what a paediatric speech-language pathologist is, how do you go about finding one who is right for your child? 

Start by talking to your paediatrician or school district. They may have a recommendation for a speech pathologist who has worked with them in the past and who they trust. You can also check out the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website or local directories to find a specialist near you. If you’re not sure where to start, contact your state association and they will be more than happy to help. 

What Should I Expect During an Assessment? 

During an assessment, the SLP will want to chat with you about your child’s medical history and developmental milestones. They’ll also want to conduct an formal evaluation of how your child articulates words, uses language, and understands directions and questions. To get a better sense of your child’s overall oral motor skills, the SLP may conduct an oral mechanism examination. This involves looking at the lips, teeth, tongue, palate, and throat. 

Common Speech Delays in Children and How a Paediatric Speech Pathologist Can Help 

There are a variety of speech and language delays and disorders that can affect children. Some common speech delays include: 

• Articulation disorders: difficulty making specific sounds 
• Language disorders: difficulty understanding or using words 
• Fluency disorders: stuttering or repetition of words or phrases 
• Resonance disorders: sound is Nasal when it should be oral 
• Voice disorders: pitch that is too high or low, harsh voice quality 
• Swallowing disorders: difficulty with the preparation and execution of a swallow 

If your child is displaying any of these speech, language, or swallowing disorders, a certified speech-language pathologist can help. They will work with your child to improve their skills. 

Tips for Finding the Right Paediatric Speech-Language Pathologist like Spring Forward Family Centre

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re looking for a paediatric speech-language pathologist: 

• Ask about their experience working with children. You want someone who is comfortable working with kids and has a lot of experience in the field. 
• Find out what methods they use and if they are up-to-date with the latest research. You want someone who uses evidence-based practises and is constantly learning new things. 
• Ask about their availability. You want someone who is flexible and able to work around your schedule. 
• Get a recommendation from your child’s doctor or another trusted professional. 

Conclusion 

If you’re worried about your child’s speech or language development, or if you’ve already been told by a doctor that your child needs help with speech, it’s important to find the right speech therapist. Not all speech therapists specialize in the same approaches, and some are better suited to work with children than others. 

When you’re looking for a paediatric speech pathologist, make sure to ask some questions to get a feel for their experience and expertise. Do they have experience working with children who have your child’s specific speech problem? Do they have a therapy approach that you feel comfortable with? Will they work with you and your child to create a therapy plan that’s tailored to your child’s needs? 

The benefits of hiring a paediatric speech pathologist are many, so it’s important to make sure you find the right one for your child. 

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