Language Therapy
Language skills allow children to understand others, express their thoughts, learn new concepts, build relationships, and participate successfully at home, school, and in their community. When language development is delayed or difficult, children may struggle to communicate their wants and needs, follow directions, answer questions, tell stories, or engage in conversations.
What Are Language Disorders?
A language delay or language disorder can affect a child's ability to understand spoken language (receptive language), express their thoughts and ideas (expressive language), or both. Some children may also have difficulty using language appropriately in social situations (pragmatic language). These challenges can impact learning, literacy, social interactions, and overall communication.
Areas that may be addressed include:
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Receptive language
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Expressive language
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Pragmatic (social) language
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Vocabulary development
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Following directions
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Answering and asking questions
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Grammar and sentence structure
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Storytelling and narrative skills
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Early language development
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Pre-literacy and phonological awareness, when appropriate
Language Evaluations
A language evaluation helps determine how your child understands and uses language in a variety of settings. Depending on your child's needs, the evaluation may assess:
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Understanding of spoken language (receptive language)
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Use of words and sentences (expressive language)
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Vocabulary
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Grammar and sentence structure
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Play and early communication skills
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Social use of language (pragmatic language)
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Following directions and answering questions
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Functional communication
Is Language Therapy Right For Your Child?
Language therapy may be beneficial if your child:
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Is a late talker or has delayed language development
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Has difficulty understanding or following directions
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Has a limited vocabulary for their age
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Has difficulty combining words into phrases or sentences
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Has trouble answering or asking questions
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Has difficulty expressing thoughts, ideas, or feelings
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Has trouble telling stories or describing events
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Has difficulty participating in conversations or social interactions
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Has been referred by a pediatrician, teacher, or another healthcare professional
How Therapy Can Help
Language therapy is designed around your child's age, strengths, and specific needs. Sessions are engaging and motivating while helping children strengthen their understanding and use of language.
Therapy may focus on:
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Building receptive and expressive language skills
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Expanding vocabulary
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Developing grammar and sentence structure
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Improving conversational and social communication skills
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Strengthening narrative and storytelling abilities
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Supporting early literacy and phonological awareness, when appropriate
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Parent coaching and home practice
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Collaboration with families, teachers, and other professionals, when appropriate