If your child has multiple speech sound errors, how do you decide what to work on first?

1. The child’s age
2. The types of errors
3. The frequency of the sounds in the child’s language
4. Stimulability (e.g., whether the child can imitate the sounds)
5. Personal factors
6. Can’t we just work on all of them at the same time?

 

ANSWER: #1-5 and MORE

Learning to produce new speech sounds is hard work! Trying to work on too many things at once will make it more difficult for a child to master these new skills. Speech-language pathologists assess speech skills to understand the nature and severity of the child’s difficulties then prioritize what to work on first in therapy. The child’s age is a starting point, but it is also important to consider what will have the biggest impact on the child’s overall clarity. Some speech sounds occur more frequently than others (e.g., “r” is more common in English than “th”). Personal factors (like the sounds in the child’s name) should also be considered.

If you have concerns about your child's speech and language skills, call for a free phone consultation.

Which of the following types of words are MOST beneficial to teach your toddler?

1. Letters
2. Numbers
3. Colors
4. Shapes
5. Verbs


Answer: #5
Toddlers learn language in everyday routines and activities. They need vocabulary that they can use to communicate basic wants and needs. This includes names for familiar people and things, adjectives (describing words), and verbs (action words). At around 2 years of age, toddlers should be putting short phrases together (e.g., "eat cookie", "Mama come"), then longer sentences will come. Verbs are necessary for making sentences. Academic vocabulary (e.g., letter names, colors) is less of a priority at these early stages.

If you have concerns about your child's speech and language skills, call for a free phone consultation.

How do you know if you can count what your child says as a “word”?
Something your child says that is…

1. Used intentionally (e.g., saying “Mama” when they see you enter the room)
2. Used independently (e.g., saying “water” without being prompted)
   
3. Used consistently (e.g., saying “ball” on multiple occasions)
4. Mispronounced (e.g., saying “da” for “dog”)

 
Answer: #1 AND #2 AND #3
(#4 is ok too!)
A word is anything your child says intentionally, independently AND consistently (this includes signs!). You can count animal sounds (e.g., “moo”) and words like “uh oh” as long as they meet these criteria. Don’t worry about pronunciation when your child is just starting to use words.
Remember, word count is just one aspect of language development. If you have concerns about your child's speech and language skills, call for a free phone consultation.

Which of the following are signs your child might need a hearing test?

1. Often saying “what?” or “huh?”
2. Consistently watching television with the volume turned up high
3. Frequently tugging or pulling on ears
4. Difficulty in school
5. Delayed speech skills (pronunciation)
6. Delayed language skills (understanding and expression)

 
 
Answer: All of these!
 
A child may experience hearing loss for a variety of reasons. Temporary hearing loss can result from ear infections, or fluid in the ears. Tugging or pulling on ears may be a sign a young child is experiencing discomfort from an ear infection. An older child may watch television with the volume up high or frequently ask for repetition. Over time, multiple ear infections can negatively impact speech and language development (and later, academic performance). Audiologists have the skills and equipment to assess hearing, even in young children. The first few years of a child’s life are a critical learning period. Early intervention is key.
 
If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language skills, call for a free phone consultation.

True or false?

1. Virtual services are live and interactive
2. Virtual services allow families who cannot otherwise attend in-person sessions to receive services
3. Virtual services allow health professionals to work with individuals in their natural environment
4. The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) has provided guidelines for telepractice since 2004
5. Pets can be included in virtual sessions

Answer: #1-4 are true (well #5 may also be true…)

Telepractice is using technology to provide services remotely. The use of videoconferencing technology allows families to access services at home, which is especially important for those living in remote areas that may not otherwise be able to access these services. Participating in virtual sessions saves families time traveling to and from appointments and provides the opportunity to work on their goals in their natural environment (useful for generalizing skills to everyday life). It is also an opportunity to involve other family members, such as grandparents and siblings (and pets?) in the learning process. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many health professionals have implemented the use of telepractice as a safer alternative to face-to-face appointments. Research on the efficacy of virtual speech and language services is growing. Speech-language pathologists use clinical judgement based on experience, in accordance with CASLPO’s guidelines, to determine when the use of virtual services is appropriate. If you have questions about the use of virtual services for your child, call for a free phone consultation.