Speech and OT

  Children with hearing loss are making remarkable strides in oral communication thanks to early diagnosis and technological advancements. Today, even those with severe hearing impairments can learn to speak, develop oral language skills, and attend mainstream schools. With the right support, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy, children can achieve significant progress in their communication abilities. Types of Hearing Loss Hearing loss generally falls into two main categories: conductive and sensorineural . Conductive hearing loss occurs when the outer or middle ear fails to function properly, blocking sound from reaching the inner ear for processing. This condition is often caused by ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear and is frequently treatable with medication or surgery. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This is the most common type of hearing loss and cannot be surgi...

  Communication disorders affect children in different ways. Some stem from psychological conditions impacting the brain, while others arise from physiological issues affecting the mouth and speech organs. Regardless of the cause, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can play a key role in helping children improve their communication skills —sometimes even resolving speech difficulties entirely. What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do? Think of an SLP as part doctor, part language expert. They work with children experiencing: ✅ Language disorders – Trouble understanding or using words in conversation ✅ Speech-sound disorders – Difficulty pronouncing words correctly ✅ Childhood fluency disorders – Stuttering or disruptions in speech flow ✅ Social communication disorders – Struggles with using language in social situations Signs Your Child May Have a Communication Disorder Parents often wonder if their child’s speech patterns are normal. Some common signs of a communication dis...

  Stuttering doesn’t look the same from individual to individual. Some repeat sounds and syllables, others prolong sounds, and still, others interject their own sentences with filler words and noises, such as ‘um’ or ‘like’. Just as there are different ways a stutter can sound, there are different categories for stutters to fall into. Developmental stuttering, the most commonly diagnosed, often happens to children between the ages of 2 and 5 when their words are lagging behind their thoughts. Neurogenic Stuttering Neurogenic stuttering is directly correlated to a brain injury that involves significant issues between the nerves and muscles of speech. Psychogenic stuttering is uncommon but usually associated with an emotional trauma or an issue with thinking and reasoning. Each of these categories requires its own line of diagnosis and specialized treatment plan to prevent the stuttering from occurring, but there is no cure for stuttering. Developmental Stuttering Thinking on develo...

  Children facing sleep disorders   may experience issues such as learning impairments and behavioral problems. It is crucial to address sleep disorders in children promptly to manage the condition and prevent potential harm to their development. At Speech and Occupational Therapy of North Texas, our trained staff can diagnose and treat various sleep disorders in children. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):  OSA occurs when a child’s airways are blocked or restricted during sleep. Enlarged tonsils, excessive soft tissue near the airways, obesity, or distortions in airway size can contribute to OSA. Roughly 5% of children may be affected by OSA. Parasomnias:  Parasomnias encompass behaviorally based sleep disorders like sleepwalking, nightmares, and sleep-talking. About 50% of children experience some form of parasomnia, influenced by genetics and aggravated by lack of sleep. Behavioral Insomnia:  Behavioral insomnia is an acquired inability to fall or stay asleep, a...

 Communication is crucial in today's world, especially for children with communication disorders . Taking your child to a pediatric neurologist for assessment is the first step, allowing professionals to identify specific communication challenges and suggest interventions. However, you can also play a significant role in improving your child's communication skills in various ways: Read Books Together: Encourage reading, as it can enhance vocabulary and communication skills. Choose books that resonate with your child's interests, whether they prefer traditional books, comics, or picture books. Reading together provides an opportunity for language enrichment. Describe Your Environment: Practice describing the surroundings with your child. Initially, let them use familiar words, gradually introducing new vocabulary. Another effective practice is discussing their day, and helping them express their experiences and thoughts. Diversify the Words You Use: Increase the variety of w...

  Parents often wonder if their child is developing speech normally or if there's a communication disorder. Children progress at different rates, making it challenging to assess the need for assistance. Research has established developmental standards, but how can families determine if their child is on track? A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the go-to expert for speech and communication development questions. SLPs, licensed healthcare providers with a Master's degree, specialize in acoustics, physiology, neurology, cognition, and anatomy related to speech and language. They evaluate, diagnose, and treat various disorders within their scope of practice. Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas has qualified pediatric SLPs dedicated to helping children reach their potential. These experts are adept at evaluating and treating communication and feeding/swallowing disorders in infants, toddlers, and older children. Apart from technical expertise, effective communicati...