And How Do I Know if My Child Needs It?
What Is Speech-Language Therapy?
A child with a speech disorder usually encounters difficulties when producing sounds. Maybe they have trouble putting sounds together into syllables, mispronouncing words, or speaking in a way that’s hard for others to understand. Sometimes the disorder may manifest as stuttering, or it could be related to the pitch, volume, or quality of their voice.
But speech isn’t the only part of communication. A child who struggles to follow directions, understand questions, learn new words, or form sentences may have a language disorder. Communication skills are developing even before babies say their first words, and early intervention through language therapy can help children better understand and express their thoughts.
Pediatric speech therapy helps children with both speech and language disorders learn to communicate more clearly and confidently. It supports everything from their learning and social skills to their emotional well-being.
If something doesn’t seem quite right, trust your instincts. Talk to your child’s doctor, or give our team at Connections Therapy Centers a call. All our speech-language pathologists are ASHA-certified, state-licensed, and highly experienced in working with children. We’ll meet your child where they’re at and help them build the skills they need to thrive.
Common Speech Disorders in Children
At Connections Therapy Centers, we offer treatment for the following:
Common Language Challenges Children Face
Our team at Connections Therapy Centers can help children with the following:
Language Disorders
Children may have difficulty understanding questions or following directions, which is known as a receptive language challenge. They might also struggle to learn new words, form sentences, or express themselves clearly. This is referred to as difficulty with expressive language.
Language-Based Learning Disabilities
The goals of speech and language treatment for children with a learning problem target the specific aspects of reading, writing, and spelling that the student is missing.
Selective Mutism
We provide help for children who refuse to talk at certain times, no matter what.
Dyslexia
Our therapy team can diagnose dyslexia and other reading disorders. Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects a person's ability to read, often due to difficulty recognizing speech sounds and understanding how they connect to letters and words.
How Speech and Language Difficulties Can Influence a Child’s Everyday Life
Speech and language difficulties can turn even the most ordinary moments into sources of stress for your child. They may experience one or more of the following challenges. With early help and the right support, your child can make huge strides. Speech and language therapy can open doors to clearer communication and an all-around happier life.
Academic challenges
Children who struggle with speech or language may have difficulty following directions, participating in class, or keeping up with reading and writing. That can make school feel frustrating or overwhelming.
Social and emotional impact
When it’s hard to express themselves or be understood, some kids might feel shy, left out, or even embarrassed around their peers.
Behavioral changes
Communication struggles can lead some kids to have outbursts, act out, or pull away—often because they feel stuck or misunderstood.
Effect on family dynamics
Miscommunications at home can be tough for parents and siblings, too. It can be difficult to watch your child struggle to express themself or connect.
Long-term implications
Without support, these challenges can persist into the teenage years and beyond, impacting relationships, learning, and self-confidence.
Benefits of Starting Speech-Language Therapy Early
The earlier a child gets support for speech and language challenges, the better. Young brains are especially adaptable, which means they can learn new skills more quickly and easily during early development. It can also prevent small issues from becoming bigger challenges down the road.
Long-term, early intervention can boost your child’s success in school, improve social skills, reduce frustration, and build self-esteem. Our therapists can help your child feel heard, understood, and capable.
Tips for Parents
How to Support Your Child's Language Development at Home
Read to them daily
Books expose kids to new words, sentence structures, and ideas. For kids with dyslexia or other language challenges, listening to stories helps build vocabulary and sentence structure without the pressure of decoding. Make it fun by asking questions and talking about the story together.
Encourage conversation and turn-taking
Give your child space to talk, even if it takes a little extra time. Whether your child is verbal or selectively mute, regular opportunities for safe, low-pressure interaction are important in their development. Use mealtimes, play, or quiet one-on-one moments to model and invite communication in any form—speaking, drawing, writing, or using picture cards.
Play language-rich games
Simple games like “I Spy,” matching games, or storytelling with toys help build vocabulary and comprehension in a playful way.
Model correct speech without criticism
If your child mispronounces something, gently repeat it back the right way instead of pointing it out. This reinforces learning without making them feel self-conscious.
FAQs About Pediatric Speech and Language Therapy
When should I start paying close attention to my child’s speech development?
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones to be aware of. By age one, most children should be using a few simple words. By age two, they may be combining words into short phrases. If your child isn’t meeting these milestones, has trouble being understood, or seems frustrated when trying to communicate, it may point to a speech disorder. Conditions like selective mutism or dyslexia may also show up as early communication or reading challenges. When in doubt, trust your instincts and speak with a pediatric therapist.
What happens during a pediatric speech therapy session?
Sessions feel like play! Our therapists will use games, books, and fun activities to help your child work on speech sounds, language skills, and communication.
How long does therapy typically last?
Some children may need only a few months of therapy, while others benefit from ongoing support. Progress depends on the nature of the speech issue, how early therapy begins, and how consistently skills are practiced at home.
Can my child outgrow a speech or language disorder?
Some mild speech delays may improve over time, but many speech disorders benefit from early, targeted support. Without therapy, some challenges may persist or become more noticeable as a child grows. Getting help early gives your child the best chance of a positive, lasting outcome.
While some minor speech delays may resolve with time, many speech and language disorders require targeted intervention. Without support, issues like poor comprehension, difficulty expressing thoughts, or challenges with reading and writing can persist and impact your child’s success in school and relationships as they grow up. Speech-language therapy gives your child the tools and strategies they need for a positive, lasting outcome.
Pediatric Speech-Language Therapy Services in Eastern Idaho
Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Eastern Idaho locations.