Early Intervention/Late Talkers
Early intervention in speech therapy refers to the provision of services and support to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children who exhibit delays or disorders in speech, language, communication, or swallowing. It typically involves identifying and addressing communication challenges as early as possible to promote optimal development and improve long-term outcomes.
Here’s why early intervention in speech therapy is important:
- The early years of a child’s life are a critical period for language and communication development. During this time, the brain is highly plastic and receptive to learning, making it an ideal time to address speech and language difficulties before they become more entrenched.
- Speech and language skills are foundational for academic success, social interaction, and overall well-being. Early intervention helps children develop the communication skills they need to participate actively in school, engage with peers, and access learning opportunities.
- Untreated speech and language difficulties can lead to academic struggles, social isolation, and low self-esteem. Early intervention can prevent or mitigate these challenges by addressing communication deficits before they impact other areas of development.
- Early intervention in speech therapy can lead to significant improvements in communication skills, including speech sound production, vocabulary development, grammar skills, and social communication abilities. By targeting areas of need early on, children can make faster progress and achieve better outcomes in the long term.
APG’s speech-language pathologists draw from several evidence-based interventions including Floor Time and More Than Words – Hanen Program to address early speech and language concerns in the birth to three populations.