There are certain things that are misunderstood by people about speech therapy based on what they have perceived or heard from others and also from social media. At Sparkles school and child development centre,Kakkanad,Kochi we will lead you in providing proper expert – based guidance to eradicate misconceptions and replace them with the truth.
Myth 1: Speech therapy is just talking: Language is not only what we say, it is what we understand, our voice, speech muscle coordination, planning and execution, cognition. Most people model speech and ignore the role of receptive language. Understanding our environment, sounds, the intention of communication, understanding words and their use, pronouncing the sounds and sequencing those sounds to form words, using those words for communication. Language is the means of communication. Communication is the end goal. If your child is able to communicate through different means not only by speaking then he/she has the intention to communicate and also started communicating.
Myth 2: Speech therapy is a fast fix: Note that children will not develop the expressive form of language quickly. They need to first develop pre – requisites needed to attain language. They may be joint attention, listening skills, imitation skills, turn taking, sensory and motor skills, Awareness of oral structures, motor planning and execution, processing skills, play skills. To attain all of these takes time, consistent practice and effort from the parent. At Sparkles school and child development center we help children attain these at faster rates through intensive training techniques and also through daily speech therapy session incorporated in the school readiness program
Myth 3: Speech therapy is only for severe speech and language problems: It’s for all forms of severity. If language does not have clarity and if it does not help in communicating effectively, then you have to show your child to a speech therapist as early as possible
Myth 4: Waiting for your child to catch up: If your child is not speaking or has stopped speaking and has started showing regression, then it is better to see a speech therapist as early as possible. Don’t wait. Seek therapy then and there. It is better to go to a speech therapist than predict that they will talk later. Your child’s future is at stake. So, get the intervention early.
Myth 5: Augmentative and alternative communication will hinder communication: Language can be conveyed differently, via writing, signs, device speech sounds, which simulate words, broken words which are seen in children with planning and programming problems. This is also language and should be encouraged.
Some use devices as well as certain sounds. AAC helps in communication. It can later lead to expression or maybe only the non – verbal form of language. It is not something to be frustrated about. Children will have more understanding. AAC can be used to help augment and is also an alternative method to enhance speech outcomes.
Myth 6: Duration of progress can be predicted: Recovery or progress is dependent on the child and the amount of practice at home. The child shows progress in different forms. Look out for the slightest changes and encourage them.
Start embracing facts and educate yourself with it. At Sparkles child development centre we counsel and guide you to embrace facts and help you make choices that positively shape your child’s future.
“If your child is showing any of these signs, don’t wait. Book a free consultation at Sparkles School and child development centre, Kakkanad, Kochi.”
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Visit us at: Mavelipuram, Kakkanad
Website: www.sparkleschool.in
Call: +91 9633201301
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is speech therapy only for children who cannot speak?
No. Speech therapy supports all forms and severity of communication difficulties — including speech clarity, language comprehension, social communication, fluency, and augmentative communication (AAC). At Sparkles School, Kakkanad, we work with children across all levels of communication needs. - How long does speech therapy take to show results?
Speech therapy progress varies by child and depends on consistent practice, early intervention, and parental involvement. There is no fixed timeline. Children need to build prerequisite skills like joint attention, imitation, and motor planning before expressive language develops. Sparkles School Kakkanad uses intensive techniques to support faster progress. - Does using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) stop a child from speaking?
No, this is a common myth. AAC does not hinder speech — it actually enhances communication and can lead to more verbal expression over time. AAC tools help children communicate their needs and build language foundations, which often supports the development of speech. - When should I take my child to a speech therapist in Kakkanad?
If your child is showing signs of speech delay, has stopped speaking, struggles with communication, or you notice regression in language skills — don't wait. Early intervention is the most effective approach. Book a consultation at Sparkles School & Child Development Centre, Mavelipuram, Kakkanad, Kochi. Call +91 9633201301.