Unlocking the Power of Early Intervention
As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your child. You want to provide them with all the tools they need to succeed in life, and effective communication skills are at the top of that list. That's why early intervention is so vital when it comes to speech and language development.
What is Early Intervention?
Early intervention refers to services and supports provided to children under the age of 5. These services may include developmental assessments, therapy, and other support designed to help children reach their full potential and prevent the need for more intensive services later. Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other specialized services are some of the types of early intervention services available. The earlier a child receives therapy, the more likely they are to make progress and achieve their full communication potential, as the brain is most receptive to learning during the early years of development.
Our Family-Centered Approach to Early Intervention
At Rocky View Speech Therapy, we believe in the power of early intervention and specialize in working with children as young as 12 months. Our play-based, family-centered, and neuro-diversity affirming approach means that we work closely with families to understand their unique needs and create personalized treatment plans that work for them.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
The earlier a communication disorder is identified and treated, the better chance there is of preventing more significant problems from arising in the future. For example, providing therapy for a child who is identified as a "late talker" can help them to catch up to their peers, potentially avoiding a more severe communication disorder diagnosis.
It can also save families time and money in the long run. Children who receive therapy at a young age may require fewer therapy sessions and may be able to achieve their goals more quickly, reducing the cost of ongoing therapy and stress of navigating the system later on.
So, how can you tell if your child may need speech therapy?
Here are a few signs to look out for:
Your child is not babbling or making any sounds by 12 months of age.
Your child is not using any words by 16 months of age.
Your child is not using two-word phrases by 2 years of age.
Your child is having trouble understanding what you say.
Your child is having trouble being understood by others.
Your child is struggling with the mechanics of speech, such as making certain sounds.
Don't wait if you have concerns about your child's communication development. At Rocky View Speech Therapy, we understand the importance of early intervention and are here to support families. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child unlock their communication potential and give them a strong start.
