top of page

SPECIALIZED SPEECH AND LANGUAGE TREATMENT IN YOUNGSTOWN

Maura has been an amazing speech language pathologist for my 2 year old.

As an SLP myself, I wanted nothing less than the best for my daughter and knew what I was looking for. I needed someone who truly knew what they were doing and didn’t make me feel like my child was just another kid on their schedule. Maura truly made me feel like she took the time to figure out my daughter and have a game plan for every session.

- Tori | Canfield, OH

WHEN SHOULD YOU TURN TO A SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST?

Every child is unique and learns and grows at their own pace. However, there are major milestones in their early life that are important to their cognitive, social and academic development.

 

While the milestone timeline can vary, the following provide a general rule of thumb for infants and toddlers development if they experience:

 

  • Lack of babbling by 12 months.

  • Has not spoken their first words by 16 months.

  • Difficulty understanding simple instructions or questions by 18 months.

  • Unable or struggling with to speak full sentences by 2 years old.

  • Repetitive speech or stuttering by 3 years old.

  • Difficulty being understood by others or unusual voice quality.

  • Frequent ear infections or hearing loss.

  • Diagnosis of a development disorder

WHY EARLY INTERVENTION IS SO IMPORTANT FOR SPEECH THERAPY

Identifying a child’s communication skill level at an early age can significantly improve their quality of life. Early intervention is vital in speech pathology for:

Maura and Patient Blocks.png

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Children experiencing speech and language difficulty often feel isolated, making it tough to interact with their peers and develop relationships.  By improving a child’s communication skills, they develop better social skills and are more easily able to connect with others.

maura and patient at library.png

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Subjects that involve language, such as reading and writing are made more difficult for children who struggle with communication. Early intervention allows children to better express themselves, improving their academic outcomes.

Patient and Craft

SOCIAL SKILLS

When a child has trouble with speech and language, it can affect their ability to learn, socialize, and interact with others. Early intervention helps a child develop better language skills including, vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.​

4.png

PREVENTING FURTHER DELAYS

Through early intervention, children with communication struggles can catch up to their peers more quickly and avoid falling behind. The earlier a child’s speech and language development is treated can prevent long-term difficulties with communication and learning. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SPEECH SOUNDS AND LANGUAGE EVALUATION

1

SCHEDULE

Schedule the appointment around a time when your child will be well-rested and has eaten.

2

PREPARE

Prepare notes, documentation, or anecdotes from your child’s pediatrician, medial specialist, daycare/school provide if applicable.

3

WHAT TO BRING

Gather a handful of your child’s favorite toys, activities or books that can be used during the evaluation.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SPEECH SOUNDS AND LANGUAGE EVALUATION WITH IGNITE

IGNITE’s background in speech and language therapy ensures your child will be in trusted hands. Our experience with a wide variety of complex communication disorders in children with cleft and craniofacial conditions led to a masterful understanding of the direct connection between learning disabilities, hearing impairment and speech and language disorders.

 

Speech therapy evaluations help us understand where your child’s current communication skills. Once we have thoroughly reviewed your child’s medical and developmental history, along with any concerns and goals you have, we will assess the child’s communication skills through various activities. Through evaluating each of the following, we will identify the child’s level of functioning in the five developmental areas, cognitive, communication, physical, social or emotional, and adaptive.

EVALUATING

  • Speech sound production (sounds they make).

  • Receptive language (how well they understand).

  • Expressive language (how they use words, gestures, etc to express themself).

OBSERVING

  • Plays by themself and with you

  • Participates in activities

  • Transitions from one activity to the next

TIPS FOR ENCOURAGING LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN INFANTS & TODDLERS

1

SPEAKING TO THE CHILD FREQUENTLY

This may sound like a give, however this simple act can greatly help the child. Talk to your child using simple, clear language to ask them questions, and engage them in conversation.​

2

GESTURES & FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

Nonverbal communication is a large part of communication in general. Using facial expressions and gestures can help your baby to toddler understand the meaning behind your words.

3

PLAY WITH YOUR CHILD

Simple games such as peek-a-boo encourage a child’s language development in a way that comes natural to them.

4

READ TO YOUR CHILD

Age-appropriate books with colorful imagery and simple sentences can expose your child to new words and language patterns.

5

SONGS & NURSERY RHYMES

Singings songs to your child not only helps them learn new words, but can also help develop their skills.

bottom of page