Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What is speech language therapy?
2. What can I do to help my child learn to speak fluently?
3. How can my SLS maximize reading skills?
4. What should I do if I think my child has a communication deficit?
5. How many easily understood words should my preschooler have?

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What is speech language therapy?

Speech is the spoken form of language. Children may have speech problems that make it difficult to
understand what they are saying. Language is a code that we use in order to communicate our
thoughts and understand others. Speech language therapy is the treatment for children with speech
and/or language delays or disorders.
A speech disorder refers to a problem with the production of sounds, voice or fluency. A language
disorder refers to difficulty in the comprehension and expression of language.

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What can I do to help my child learn to speak fluently?

Some suggestions might include talking to your child about everyday events and activities, encouraging
your child to join in a discussion, helping him/ her to express a thought, to understand an idea, and,
equally important, listening to your child.
Don't forget to monitor your child for ear infections!

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How can my SLS maximize reading skills?

Your SLS can teach children how phonemes (speech sounds) sound and feel when they are spoken, how
to blend phonemes, organize words to form well structured sentences, enrich vocabulary, and analyze
and combine word segments.

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What should I do if I think my child has a communication deficit?

Contact the Speech and Language Specialist in your local school district to schedule a conference.

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How many easily understood words should my preschooler have?

Check out our link icon on this site.

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