Communication Difficulties

For a child, communication challenges might include articulation errors, language output, language comprehension, word retrieval, and working memory. The main goal of speech and language therapy is to help children communicate with peers and adults, as well as understand and interact with them successfully. From developing skills to increase vocabulary, to enhancing the ability to go back and forth within conversations, our speech-language pathologists support children of all ages with a wide range of skills. 

Areas that might be addressed in speech-language therapy include but are not limited to forming words, sentences, and sound combinations, pronouncing words correctly, and speaking with appropriate fluency (ie, rate and rhythm). In addition, pitch, volume, and resonance may be addressed. 

How will speech-language therapy help my child? 

Your child’s therapist will first obtain a complete medical and developmental history prior to the evaluation. They will then use standardized assessments to test your child based on areas of concern. Scores will reveal specific areas of weakness that should be addressed in therapy. 

Therapy for communication difficulties is specific and individualized to each child.  Some common therapy interventions may include oral motor exercises, practicing sounds, participating in a social skills group, training in the use of an assistive augmentative communication (AAC) device, or using signs and pictures to communicate. 

To augment therapy, our therapists will develop a home program to practice and reinforce skills. This will ensure your child can continue making consistent progress outside of therapy sessions. Contact our staff at Skills on the Hill in Washington, D.C., or Arlington, VA to schedule an evaluation today. 

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