Children progress and learn to communicate at different rates. For some children, communication can be an unexpected hurdle that requires special attention. Developmental setbacks, learning disabilities, and autism can contribute to delayed speech development for children.
Speech and language problems are not uncommon, but you should be mindful of your child’s milestones in their development, especially when it comes to how they communicate.

Early Detection
If you notice that your child is having trouble communicating or if there are signs that indicate your child needs special treatment, don’t let it overwhelm you.
The first thing you should do is diagnose the problem, as early detection of speech impairment is key. The next step is to not let any preconceived notions make you nervous about your child’s therapy; in fact, speech therapy can actually be more fun and enlightening than you may realize.

Signs of Speech-Language Disorders
Speech, language, and communication disorders can involve slurring, mispronunciations, irregularities, labored speech,
lisps, cluttering, muteness, speech delay, and apraxia (when you can’t articulate what you want to say). Parents often seek speech therapy for their children when any of these signs occur or when the child shows a delay in communication development. The root of the issue can be in the brain, muscles, behavior, or due to developmental delays or trauma, but a professional diagnosis can help you figure out the cause and the best treatment.

Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech therapy is traditionally provided by speech-language pathologists or speech therapists. These highly trained and educated professionals typically conduct therapy sessions in one of two places: either the child’s natural environment or in a clinic or office setting. Some schools also provide SLPs for students with special learning needs. Since no two speech therapies are alike, your SLP will craft a plan that caters to your child’s specific needs.

Therapy Strategies
Some of those therapy strategies may include language activities that involve playing and talking while incorporating the use of repetition to help build speech.
Another strategy might include articulation activities to better pronounce sounds and syllables, often during play activities. Or, they might include oral motor and swallowing therapy, which exercises the tongue, lip, and jaw muscles to help increase your child’s oral awareness.

Treatment
If this is your first time experiencing pediatric treatment for speech, fear not. Your clinician’s goals in pediatric care tend to be achieved through a carefully constructed series of games and activities. This allows for a child to receive treatment in a way that shows therapy to be fun, but more importantly, so they can build a trusting relationship with their SLP.
Some children feel anxious about attending their therapy sessions, but there’s a way to alleviate that anxiety through the use of CBD oil. Studies have shown a correlation between CBD and easing anxiety, even for children. Children on the autism spectrum with speech-language disorders are among those who could benefit. CBD is not for everyone, so be sure to check with your child’s doctor on whether oils and chewable supplements are right for your child. It’s also important to identify which products on the market are of the highest quality.

Moving Forward
Once the therapy session has concluded, the clinician will likely review the content of the session that was covered.
This is the time to ask questions, receive feedback from the SLP, and get tips and activities to work with and engage your child at home. By continuing to do the work at home, your child can get the most out of each session and be well on their way toward making significant improvements with their speech.
Like any therapy session, speech therapy is a process that should be taken seriously. While the thought of therapy can feel intimidating, it’s meant to be supportive and inclusive for your child. Early intervention is key with speech-language therapy, and one day your child won’t even remember a time when they communicated differently.

Jenny Wise is a homeschooling mom to four children, one of whom is autistic.
She and her husband made the decision to home-educate when their oldest was four years old. The journey has been challenging yet very fulfilling. She created Special Home Educator as a forum for sharing her adventures in homeschooling and connecting with other homeschooling families.

Among Main Sources:
- “10 Warning Signs of a Speech Disorder In Your Child” from https://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/language-development/10-warning-signs-speech-disorder/
- “10 Most Common Speech-Language Disorders” from https://www.speechpathologygraduateprograms.org/2018/01/10-most-common-speech-language-disorders/
- “Speech and Language Services in Schools” from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Speech-and-Language-Services-in-Schools/
- “13 Most Effective Speech Therapy Activities For Toddlers” from http://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/13-most-effective-speech-therapy-activities-for-toddlers
- “Top 10 SLP Activities for Articulation” from https://txsource.com/2016/06/09/top-10-slp-activities-for-articulation/
- “Oral Motor Exercises: Practical Tips andTricks” from https://www.schoolhealth.com/oral-motor-exercises
- “Anxiety Relief Without The High? New Studies On CBD, A Cannabis Extract” from https://www.npr.org/sections/healthshots/2018/04/23/604307015/anxietyrelief-without-the-high-new-studies-on-cbda-cannabis-extract?t=1554472718198
- “Best CBD Oils [2019 Buyer’s Guide]” from https://www.remedyreview.com/aboutcbd/best-cbd-oils/
- “Speech Therapy At Home” from https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/how-can-i-improve-my-childs-speech-and-language-skills-at-home/