Here at Sawyer, we tend to look for fun and humor in a blog topic. But in this case, where we aim to provide guidance on alternatives to speech therapy, we’ll differ the humor and wit for another article.
Because a topic like speech therapy and its alternatives is serious and oftentimes a stressful matter for parents who just want the best for their child.
As you scroll along, you’ll learn what we’ve learned about what speech therapy is, what alternatives are available to it, and how to make an informed decision about proving speech aid to your child.
On with the discourse:
What is speech therapy?
Speech therapy is an intervention process that helps children both express and understand verbal and nonverbal communication.
In this process, speech-language therapists interact with children either one-on-one or in groups to help them develop their communication skills. Some methods include playing with toys, reading books or using other objects to stimulate growth. They may also use articulation exercises to demonstrate and practice sounds children might struggle - like the “r” sound.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
For starters, consult your pediatrician if you have any hunches that your child is in need of help. Your doctor can provide you with a list of milestones to look for throughout their youth. If you find that your little one is not meeting the milestones, ask your doctor for guidance.
Keep in mind as you do this that every child is different. Some learn to speak and understand speech faster than others. This is not a sign that one child is better than another, just that they are different in their development.
Again, your child’s physician can provide the most reassuring guidance on these matters.
What are alternatives to speech therapy?
Or, rather, what activities can supplement the benefit of speech therapy?
One of the providers of children’s activities with Sawyer is Scattered Solutions. “Scattered Solutions is an online learning platform for toddlers to teenagers. Our mission to provide all children worldwide access to opportunities to learn, create and grow.”
And it’s those opportunities to learn, create and grow that may help your child develop needed communication skills.
For example:
Children can participate in classes to learn new languages or classes focused on reading. Having the guidance of a group and an instructor stimulate a child’s sense of communication. Then there’s drama or theater, where kids will learn to express themselves, come out of their shell and learn to engage with others in creative ways.
Among other topics there’s also Yoga. We recognize that when you think about yoga, it’s typically not the image of little ones that comes to mind. But teaching children the skills of relaxation and mindfulness may help to make sense of the stress that hinders their speech.
Consult a doctor and explore creative options
To reiterate: the best thing you can do is consult your child’s doctor for recommendations on how to address speech challenges. As a resource, Sawyer, boasts a wealth of creative activity options to teach your child life skills — the kind of skills they’ll be able to use to address speech and other challenges for the rest of their life.
