How To Choose A Speech Therapist For Your Child

So, you picked up that your child potentially has a speech disorder or issue that needs to be addressed promptly so they don’t have to struggle with it later in life; what do you do now? Well, the right course of action to take would be to book them a session with a speech therapist. But how do you choose the right one?

Finding a qualified speech therapist isn’t too difficult, but you want to find the right therapist for your child. So, in this article, we’re going to give you some tips for doing exactly that!

Why should your child see a Speech Therapist?

Children start learning to communicate from when they’re born. As they grow, this skill develops, and their ability to communicate transforms from merely crying to non-verbal forms of communication and then to talking when they’re hit a year and over. Generally, when children have a speech disorder, it’ll present itself at any stage of speech development in a variety of ways. If not addressed, these issues will become a habit and could negatively affect your kid later on in life.

This is where finding a qualified speech therapist comes in. Speech therapists have studied the best methods to diagnose and train kids who have speech issues or disorders. Said simply, they’ll know the challenges your kids are facing and how to get them from point A, being their current state, to point B, where they’ve overcome or learnt to cope with their speech issues.

What are the qualities to look for in a speech therapist?

If you look hard enough for an issue with a speech therapist, you’ll find one. So, rather than going into sessions looking for something to disqualify a speech therapist, look for a speech therapist who has these qualities:

Practical experience

Having head knowledge is different to hands-on experience. Look for a therapist who has had experience walking with multiple kids and has had success bringing them through their speech issues. This could be an indication of how successful their practices are for your kids.

They need to be qualified and certified

Speech therapists go through an intense course to get qualified. Some even study further and specialise. Finding a qualified speech therapist who’s gone over and above to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to help kids with speech disorders is generally a good sign.

Do they practice patience and empathy?

As you know, a speech therapist would probably need deep wells of patience to deal with your kids, especially as they try to help them through speech issues that they may not even understand. In addition to patience, they should also be empathetic to what your child is feeling. Empathy is a guide for therapists dealing with kids. It’ll let them know how far they can push themselves and where the lesson needs to continue or end.

Tailored approach for different kids

Children are all unique, and while therapists might be able to use the same concepts to help train them, their therapists should take a tailored approach to how they apply those concepts. Generally, a good speech therapist would incorporate your child’s interests, learning style, and personality into account when they create a treatment plan.

How to find a speech therapist?

Okay, so now you know what to look for in a speech therapist, but where do you start looking? Here are some ways to find a speech therapist in Australia:

Referrals
Word of mouth and referrals is a great way to find a good speech therapist. Generally, when people refer a therapist, it’s because they’re either going to them and having a good experience or have gone to them and achieved their goals. So, ask around. Ask your kid’s pediatrician, the school counsellor or even your friends.

Google Search
Nowadays, businesses have conveniently set themselves up on Google My Business. To find a kid’s speech therapist, you can search “speech therapist near me,” and Google will give you a list of speech therapists in your area with their reviews, contact numbers, and locations.

Online
You could also explore the options of doing online consultations for your kids. If you find a reputable therapist who isn’t in your area, ask them if they’d consider meeting online.

What are the benefits of online speech therapy?

While online speech therapy for kids might seem difficult, it does have its benefits, like:

Easy Access
Online speech therapy opens up opportunities for people no matter where they live. It’s a game-changer for those in remote areas or places where in-person services are hard to find. You can connect with a qualified therapist without the hassle of long commutes or relocating; just hop online and get started.

Convenience
Life is busy, and finding time for appointments can be tough. With online therapy, you have the flexibility to schedule sessions that fit into your day, whether it’s early morning, during a lunch break, or after work.

Cozy Environment
There’s something comforting about being in a familiar place when working on something important, like speech therapy. When you’re at home, school, or any other environment where you feel safe and relaxed, it’s easier to focus and engage in the process. This comfort can really help reduce anxiety and make therapy feel less like a chore.

Fun and Engaging
Therapy doesn’t have to be boring! With online sessions, interactive tools and multimedia are often part of the experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable. These elements can turn learning into a more dynamic process, keeping you or your child interested and motivated.

Stay on Track
Life can throw curveballs, for example, travel plans change, bad weather, or unexpected events, but online therapy helps you maintain consistency in your sessions. Without the need to physically show up somewhere, it’s easier to stick to a regular schedule, ensuring steady progress without interruption.

Get Parents Involved
For kids receiving speech therapy, having parents actively involved can make a big difference. Online sessions make it easy for parents to sit in, observe, and even participate. This involvement allows parents to understand the techniques being used better so they can help reinforce the learning at home.

Quick Feedback
One of the great things about online therapy is the ability to get immediate feedback. Whether through instant messaging or live video, you don’t have to wait until the next session to find out how your child is doing. This real-time interaction helps you make quick adjustments and stay on track with your goals.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the earlier you catch speech disorder issues, the sooner they can be addressed. So, if you notice any signs that your child is struggling to communicate for their age, take them to a speech therapist just to be safe.

You might also like:

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How To Choose A Speech Therapist For Your Child

Why should your child see a Speech Therapist?