How to Get Your Child in to Speech Therapy

If you think that your child is not speaking as many words or as clearly as he should for his age, you can get help. Starting services as early as possible is the key to a successful outcome.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Love
• Determination

1. Identify the areas that you think your child is lacking in for speech development. Write down your observations on a list. Be clear when writing your list because you will be asked these questions later. The point of the list is to make sure you don't forget something that you would like the doctor to know.
2. Call your child's pediatrician. Discuss your concerns with him and ask what your next step should be. He will probably recommend an evaluation by your local early intervention program and provide you with a phone number for that department.
3. Call your local early intervention program and let them know you were told to call them by your pediatrician. They will take your information and ask a lot of questions about your concerns for your child's speech (refer to your list). Set up an appointment for them to do an evaluation for your child.
4. Your child will be evaluated which is usually done in the comfort of your own home. Hopefully you will find out that day if your child qualifies for speech services. You will be given an IEP (Individualized Education Program) which will tell you how often your child will receive speech therapy.
5. During your child's speech therapy sessions, observe as much as you can. You will learn valuable strategies for helping your child speak better. You can practice these strategies with your child on a daily basis.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let your pediatrician blow off your concerns.
• Stick to your guns and insist on an evaluation.
• Have your child's hearing checked.
• Time is of the essence. Get help as soon as you realize your child needs it.