The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) has reported that 1 out of every 12 children under the age of 18 will have a speech-related issue. Learning how to communicate is important in every language so it is crucial for those struggling with speech issues to get help. Speech therapy has been proven to improve language abilities and expand confidence in participants.
What Is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy involves lessons that help those with language and speech problems speak more clearly. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are all connected so if a person is struggling with their speech it could affect more than just their oral communication. It could also affect their reading comprehension, writing abilities, and ability to listen and process oral information.
Why Is Speech Therapy Important?
Many people who undergo speech therapy find that their communication skills have been vastly improved by the end of treatment. However, speech therapy does more than just improve their communication abilities, it can also:
- Improve their self-confidence.
- Improve the quality of their voice.
- Allow them to be fully understood by others.
Speech therapy is not a quick fix to language issues. Often times it takes a persistent effort to improve language skills. Both the person undergoing speech therapy and their families should remain patient with the process and be adaptable to any changes that the speech therapist implements.
Benefits Of Doing Speech Therapy At Home
Some speech therapists have offices in schools or privately that you may go to. Though, over the years more and more people have chosen to attend speech therapy virtually or have a speech therapist conduct lessons in person at their homes. Many speech therapists have found these home sessions more effective than one-on-one sessions at a different location because:
- Your home is more comfortable- For many people, their home is their safe place and the place where they feel the most comfortable. Conducting speech therapy in the patient’s home can help lower their stress, nervousness, and any other adverse symptom that can arise from being in a new or unfamiliar place.
- You can have longer sessions- You won’t have to sit in a waiting room for your speech therapist to finish an appointment because they will simply come to you! If you are doing a virtual session you won’t have to worry about commuting to your sessions with traffic and arriving late. With these worries gone, you can focus more on the therapy as opposed to timing.
- The rest of the family can participate- Many speech pathologists have found that family interaction in speech therapy sessions has improved the patient’s speech considerably. Participation in these sessions can provide support and raise understanding of their loved one’s speech condition.
- You can find techniques that fit into your daily routine- Each person has a routine that they fall into. When a speech therapist is in the patient’s home they can pick up on routines that they follow and create activities and exercises that they can do to fit into their schedule.
If you have been considering starting home-based speech therapy, try it out. It may greatly benefit you or your loved one.
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