When a child struggles to make their needs known, it can easily lead to tantrums and other behavior issues.

 

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), often informally known as Speech Therapists, are professionals educated in the study of human communication, its development, and its disorders. They hold at least a master's degree and state certification/licensure in the field, as well as a certificate of clinical competency from ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

What is Speech-Language Therapy for Children?

Speech-Language Pathologists provide therapy for children with speech and/or language disorders. A speech disorder refers to a problem with the actual production of sounds. A language disorder refers to a difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas.

Speech-Language Therapy at CTCNJ

Do you or others seem to have trouble understanding your child’s speech? Are there sounds or parts of words that they leave off? Do they have trouble putting words in the correct order? Does your child stutter? Does your child have tantrums or behavior issues that you think may be related to his or her frustration with making their needs known? Is your child having difficulties in school understanding directions given by the teacher? Does your child have difficulty making friends and playing children’s games?

These may be signs of a speech and/or language based disorder. If you suspect a problem, it is important to address the issue quickly. A certified Speech-Language Pathologists can help determine if your child is having a problem.

Speech disorders may include:

  • Articulation disorders include difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people can't understand what's being said.

  • Fluency disorders include problems such as stuttering, This is a condition in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, repetitions (st-st-stuttering), or prolonging sounds and syllables (ssssstuttering).

  • Resonance or voice disorders include problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that distract listeners from what's being said. These types of disorders may also cause pain or discomfort for the child when speaking.

Language disorders may be:

  • Receptive disorders that refer to difficulties understanding or processing language.

  • Expressive disorders that include difficulty putting words together, limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.