Children are unique and, as such, will develop at different rates. However, there are certain red flags that may indicate a child can benefit from pediatric speech therapy. At Southland Therapy Services in South Carolina, we help young children reach milestones necessary for academic success and social interactions down the road. Here is a quick look at some indicators that your child may need our assistance:

Your Child Doesn’t Engage In Group Play

If your child is often choosing to sit alone or play parallel to others, it could be an indication that they have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or another social communication disorder. A pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP) from Southland Therapy Services can offer guidance on how to encourage your child to interact more with others.

Your Child Has Inconsistent Speech

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for kids to correctly produce sounds, syllables, and words. This can cause your child’s speech to be inconsistent and hard to understand. For example, they may pronounce the same word differently each time they say it. If you notice this in your child, a pediatric SLP can help him or her develop the muscles needed for clear speech production.

Your Child Exhibits a Lack of Gesturing

Gestures such as pointing and waving are an important part of communication, yet some children with ASD or other social communication disorders may not use them. If your child isn’t gesturing by 12 months, it could be a sign that they can benefit from pediatric speech therapy. An SLP can teach your child how to use gestures to communicate.

Your Child Has Issues With Verbal Requests

If your child is having difficulty following basic verbal requests, it could be a sign of a receptive language disorder like ASD. This type of disorder can make it hard for kids to understand what others are saying to them. Telling a child to look at something across the room, for instance, may be an easy task for other kids but very confusing for a child with ASD. A pediatric speech therapy class can make simple instructions easier for your child to understand and follow.

If you’re concerned that your child may benefit from pediatric speech therapy, contact Southland Therapy Services today. Our experienced SLPs can assess your child’s needs and create a customized treatment plan to help them reach their full potential.