The Gist:

• The first step is an evaluation

• A diagnosis doesn’t change your child

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When you first think that there might be something “wrong” with your child all sorts of emotions can come up.

“What did I do wrong?”

“This is going to be a lot of work?”

“This is going to cost me an arm and a leg.”

“Will my child lead a normal life ever?”

All these are normal thoughts, whatever your worries are or what you see. But your child needs you to take action.

The first step is simple: go to your pediatrician. Your child’s primary care doctor can do a basic screening of your child’s development and address your concerns while most likely easing your worries about something catastrophic.

The next recommended step is to see a pediatric otolaryngologist (also called a pediatric ENT: ear, nose, and throat doctor) and audiologist (they work in the same office usually). The ENT and the audiologist can use their expertise to determine if the issues involved with speech and language could be related to a hearing problem and if so, what type.

This is not always the end game though. Sometimes there is no concrete answer for why your child is experiencing a speech and/or language issue.

That is where an SLP comes in.

Once a hearing problem has been ruled out, the ENT will most likely refer you to a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP). If they don’t refer you and you still have questions, ask around or search online for Pediatric Speech Therapy.

The SLP will have you get started by doing an online or in-person interview to talk about your concerns. From there, the SLP can recommend whether more testing should be done, and if so, what.

Evaluations don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and they don’t have to be scary. Ask questions along the way; get a feel for whether the therapist you’re talking to is a good fit for you and your child.

Having your child diagnosed with a speech or language issue doesn’t change that lovable little kiddo that you’re raising. It does not make them less of a miracle. It only allows you to better understand your child’s needs and start moving towards a better life for you and your child.

If you need more help in the journey, we’re here. Reach out to us through www.speechkids.com.

All my best -

Gabriele

PS -

Raising Orchids is helping parents of neurodiverse children to better understand their children while empowering them to grow, learn new skills, gain confidence and independence, while improving the family relationships.

The talented Jen Dryer and I will be hosting this 6-week class starting July 8th.

For one hour every Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 PM EST, we will tackle subjects such as understanding difficult behavior, encouraging and empowering your child to learn new skills supporting your child’s independence and sense of competence and troubleshooting difficult situations.

This could be your last chance to learn these new skills. Click HERE to sign up today!