Is it too early for a speech therapy?

When the child utters the first word, there are other preceding stages on which the development of speech and language depends, namely the stages of cooing, babbling, vocal play. If these stages are delayed or do not occur, it is very important to contact a speech therapist who will help you accelerate and encourage the development of these stages.

Some disorders that occur in the early period can be prevented or alleviated if the response is adequate and in time. The most optimal period for speech and language development, as well as for the development of other cognitive and motor functions, is the period up to the age of three, so that period should be used. If the speech therapy starts earlier, its duration will be shorter.

Playing games is the best way to encourage speech and language development. Children learn and accept tasks most easily through play (my experience during online treatment proved this theory). In the case of children, there is a critical period, the most suitable time for the development of speech and language and other cognitive functions. That time should be used to the maximum.

How long will speech therapy treatment last?

Depending on the difficulties the child has, the treatment may last for a shorter or longer period. In the case of children whose speech started later, the speech therapy treatment will last longer, if the child only has articulation disorder, that is, he/she does not know how to pronounce certain sounds, the speech therapy treatment will last less, but it also depends on the parents, how much and how they are involved in the speech therapy treatment and if they practice with the children between the treatments, every day.

So parents should seek advice from a speech therapist on time, on how to work with the child in order to achieve optimal results. Speech therapy treatment should have continuity, which means not interrupting the treatment when parents see that their child is making progress both verbally and motorically.

If we follow these rules, the outcome of the speech therapy treatment will be better.