Information for Parents

There are some indications that your child may require speech therapy. These include delayed onset of language, difficulties in forming sentences, noticeable pronunciation problems, or frequent stuttering. If your child omits, replaces, or misforms certain sounds, it may indicate a speech development disorder. Other signs can be problems understanding instructions or in social communication. If you are unsure, speak with a pediatrician or speech therapist who can make a professional assessment. Detected early, speech therapy can specifically promote language development and reduce potential difficulties. It's important not to wait when there are speech abnormalities, as early support generally has a positive effect on your child's overall development.

Speech therapy can begin as early as the developmental needs of a child require. Early intervention is often helpful when language difficulties or delays arise, which can occur in some children as early as two to three years old. At this age, therapy is usually conducted through play to support the child in an age-appropriate manner. Even in preschool and elementary school years, speech therapy may be necessary if speech or language issues persist. However, the ideal time for therapy depends on the individual development and needs of the child. Discuss your observations with a pediatrician or speech therapist to make an informed decision. The earlier targeted support is provided, the better children can be assisted in their language development.

Speech therapy for children with autism is tailored to the specific needs of the child. The goal is to improve communication ability and facilitate social interactions. Depending on the severity of autistic features, therapy may aim to encourage language, learn alternative communication methods, or practice handling nonverbal signals such as gestures and facial expressions. Playful elements are often used to increase the child's motivation. Speech therapists work closely with parents and other caregivers to facilitate the child's daily life and promote their individual strengths. The therapy provides a foundation for better communication and can help reduce frustrations and misunderstandings caused by communication barriers.

The first session is primarily a getting-to-know-you appointment, where the speech therapist greets your child in a relaxed atmosphere. The goal is to get a first impression of your child's linguistic and communicative skills. Playful exercises, age-appropriate tests, or conversations are used for this. At the same time, as parents, you have the opportunity to ask questions and share important information about the development and needs of your child. At the end of the session, the further course of therapy and the goals to be pursued are discussed together. This appointment serves to build trust and lay the foundation for successful collaboration between the child, parents, and speech therapist.

Support at home is an essential part of a successful speech therapy. Playfully integrate the exercises you receive from the speech therapist into everyday life. This can be done through rhymes, songs, games, or stories. Read to your child regularly and encourage them to retell the story or answer questions about it. Also, promote communication in daily life by stimulating conversations and paying attention to your child's pronunciation without overwhelming them. Patience and praise for small progress are crucial. If you are unsure how best to support your child, address this during therapy to receive targeted tips and assistance.

In most cases, parents are explicitly welcome to be present during therapy sessions, especially with younger children. The speech therapist can explain how parents can support the exercises at home. Moreover, the presence of parents often gives the child a sense of security, especially during the acclimation phase. However, sometimes it may be useful for the child to work alone with the therapist for certain exercises to promote concentration or reduce inhibitions. Here, the best approach for therapeutic success is decided on an individual basis. As parents, you always have the opportunity to discuss your child's progress and ask questions after the session. Close cooperation between parents and speech therapy is crucial for successful treatment.

The time it takes to see initial progress depends on various factors. These include the type and severity of the language or speech disorder, the regularity of the sessions, and the effort put into practice at home. Some children may show improvements after just a few weeks, while others may take months. Progress often occurs gradually and may initially be evident in small details, such as better pronunciation of individual sounds. It is important to be patient and not to put pressure on the child. Regular feedback from the speech therapist provides insight into the developmental process, and together you can tailor therapy goals to ensure the best possible progress.

Yes, speech therapies are always tailored to the age and individual needs of the patients. For younger children, playful approaches that rely on creativity and interaction are used, such as singing, crafting, or working with stories. In elementary school age, more structured exercises are often used that prepare specifically for school requirements. Adolescents benefit from exercises that focus on self-confidence and clear communication. With adults and older patients, practical communication skills are often strengthened by working with everyday situations. In any case, the therapy is oriented towards the living circumstances and developmental stages of those affected to achieve the best results.

The frequency of speech therapy sessions depends on the individual need and therapy planning. Usually, sessions take place once or twice a week, with each session typically lasting 45 minutes. In more intensive phases or in the case of acute disorders, more frequent appointments may be appropriate. The exact frequency is determined together with the speech therapist and can be adjusted as progress is made. Regular practice at home, complementing the sessions, is also important. This combination of professional care and home support achieves sustainable results. Your speech therapist will provide you with detailed advice and tailor the plan to your child's needs.

It is not uncommon for children to initially have reservations about speech therapy. It can help to convey the therapy positively and in a playful way. Explain to your child that the speech therapist is there to help them and that it will be fun. Often, involving the child's favorite games or topics can build an initial bridge. If the child is still reluctant, talk to the therapist. Together, solutions can be found that make the entry easier. Sometimes, small rewards for participation can be agreed upon or involve the child actively in the process by letting them decide which exercises to do. Patience and empathy are crucial in such situations.