Is your child frustrated with a speech and language disability? Consider applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to help them improve their communication abilities. We have a team of ABA therapy specialists who have vast training to help children with an array of behavior and learning issues. The therapies are highly effective and safe with potential lifelong, positive results. We encourage you to get started and visit one of our ABA Therapy Centers in Colorado Springs today!:
What Are Speech and Language Disabilities?
Speech and language disabilities are not uncommon and with early detection and proper treatment can be early to address. A speech or language disability or disorder makes it hard for your child to communicate effectively with others. Many children experience temporary issues or delays in language and communication. While most will catch up, a speech or language disorder takes away your child’s ability to continue to grow and learn the language. According to research, most children should be using a variety of words at around fifteen months. Then. they should be easily communicating the language effectively by around 5 years old.
Speech and language disabilities or disorders vary from highly specific issues to blanket problems speaking and understanding language. Your child may simply have trouble understanding certain parts of the language or using words to communicate the language clearly. This can be frustrating for you and for teachers and is usually extremely frustrating for your child. Your child may act out or withdraw due to feelings of frustration.
Speech and language disorders slow the development process, affecting areas outside of communication such as social skills. When the learning process slows down, it is only amplified if it goes untreated.
What Are Common Types of Speech and Language Disabilities in Children?
Signs of most common speech and language disabilities usually begin to appear between one to four years old. This is a crucial stage for early detection. ‘Speech’ and ‘language’ are often used interchangeably, but when it comes to disorders they are quite different. Speech refers specifically to verbal communication. Language is how you transform mental thoughts into words and sentences that others can understand.
What Are the Signs of a Speech and Language Disability?
The signs and symptoms of speech and language disorders vary based on your child’s age and the specific issue or issues they may be struggling with. In order of age, here are common signs of speech and language disabilities:
- Lack of smiling or interacting with you when you provide verbal communication
- Lack of babbling and common baby sounds
- Shows little interest when you read to them, instead focuses solely on pictures
- Uses gestures like pointing instead of verbal cues to show what they want
- After one year your child says very few words
- Lack of understanding of common words, often shows through facial cues
- Not making sounds or noises when you read to them
- Not repeating common words, especially words you use with positive connotations, like “snack time” or “play time”
- After 1.5 to 2 years can not put words into simple sentences
- stuttering ir mispronounding certain letters in words (commonly p, b, m,h, g, f, t, and d)
- Difficulty talking during play with other children
- Speaking flatly, hoarsley, or clearly strained
- Silence or not engaging during play with you or other children
- After 3 years your child struggles with simple reading and writing
- Becomes withdrawn during activities related to reading and writing
How Can ABA Therapy Help with Speech and Language Disabilities?
Applied behavior analysis is a successful approach to treating your child’s speech and language issues due to the unique, personalized approach an ABA professional takes. The first step is to contact a professional training in ABA therapy and discuss the issues you have noticed in your child. Keeping a notebook for a short period of time with specific situations where you have felt something may be wrong can help you better communicate potential issues.
Next, a trained ABA professional will do a full assessment with your child to better understand speech and language issues. This is unique because ABA therapy looks at the child’s entire environment, not only what is discovered during the therapy session. Then, they create a specific plan consisting of a variety of activities designed to encourage your child to overcome communication issues and succeed in speech and language. By working with an ABA therapy professional, your child can overcome speech and language disabilities to communicate successfully outside of therapy.
Get Started Today!
We have two ABA Therapy Centers in Colorado Springs at:
Academy and Galley.
Get started with ABA therapy for a speech and language disability today: