We are now offering a free Speech-Language Screening for your child at SDOT! 

What is Speech-Language Therapy?

Speech-Language Therapy supports a child’s ability to communicate in many areas, such as: 

• Speech sounds—How we use our lips and tongue to say sounds and put sounds together into words. 
• Language—How well we understand what we hear (comprehension) and how we use words to tell others what we are thinking (expression). Can my child express their thoughts?
• Social Communication—How well we follow social rules, like taking turns, how to talk to different people, or how close to stand to someone when talking. This includes understanding of body language, emotions, and how to interact with peers. 
  
• Fluency and Voice—This is also called stuttering, or how well speech flows. Someone who stutters may repeat sounds, like t-t-t-table, repeat whole words, like “put-put-put”, use “um” or “uh,” or pause a lot, or have trouble breathing when talking. Many young children will go through a time when they stutter, but most outgrow it.
  
• Literacy—How well we read and write. Someone with a speech and language disorder may also have trouble reading, spelling, and writing.
• Cognitive-communication—How well our minds use language and linguistic concepts to solve problems, remember things, organize our thoughts, and other thinking skills.

How do I know if my child should receive a free screening for speech or language difficulties?

My child is difficult to understand when he or she is speaking.

My child is not speaking as much as his or her peers, or not speaking at all.

My child does not understand directions given to him or her.

My child uses aggressive or negative behaviors in order to communicate rather than using words.

My child does not seem to understand how to interact with his or her peers appropriately.