Parents all want only the best for their children. We watch them grow and develop, celebrating each new milestone (He took his first steps! She smiled for the first time!) along the way. Sometimes, though, it feels like those moments are fewer and further between than those of other people’s kids. It can be a challenge to have concerns about your child that are consistently downplayed by family members, friends, and professionals. What is happening, and what can you do?
When it comes to comments about a child’s speech development, it’s important to remember that most people have good intentions. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that these comments can be hurtful or discouraging, especially if they downplay a parent’s concerns. While well-meaning and intending to offer support, the comments might be based on out-of-date information, or anecdotes about other children who are completely different than your own child.
Pediatricians play a vital role in monitoring a child’s development and ensuring their overall health and well-being. However, it’s important to acknowledge that even the most knowledgeable and well-trained pediatricians only ever see a snapshot of a child’s development. During brief appointments, pediatricians are often focused on a particular issue or concern and may not have the opportunity to fully assess all aspects of a child’s development. This can make it challenging for them to fully understand a child’s unique needs and potential areas of concern.
At the end of the day, you know your child best. If you have concerns about your child’s communication development, consider getting a formal evaluation by a speech language pathologist (SLP), even if others don’t share that concern. An SLP is specially trained to assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They may also be trained to work with patients who have swallowing problems.
If you have decided, you want an appointment with an SLP – now what? Your county or school district is a good first step. For children aged up to 3 years, you can reach out to the Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Infant and Toddlers Program (ITP). Parents with older children should start the process by reaching out to your local public school, even if your child is not yet school-aged, attends a private school or is homeschooled. The district may or may not provide speech services, but they are required to provide evaluations.
As it can often take many months for an evaluation to be completed through the county or school district, you may decide that pursuing private speech therapy is right for your child. To find a Speech Therapist you may reach out to your insurance carrier for a list of in-network providers, ask your school if they have a list, and ask your pediatrician if they have referrals.
While you are considering your options or waiting for your appointment, you may also go to some great websites with resources at Mommy Speech Therapy and at Play & Thrive’s Blog. Both websites give great ideas about what you can do to help your child’s communication at home. They also have blog posts that are extremely helpful as well!
In the journey of parenting, it’s important to remember that every child is unique, and their developmental path may not look the same as others. While it can be discouraging to have concerns about your child’s development downplayed by others, it’s essential to trust your instincts and seek out the necessary support and resources. The journey may not always be easy, but with determination and support, you can help your child thrive.
By Anne Marie Flood, MA, CCC-SLP, Guest Contributor
After 5 years as a Spanish teacher, including earning a master’s in Secondary Education, Anne Marie found her passion in the form of Speech Language Pathology. She returned to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Maryland following the birth of her oldest children. Between virtual, school-based, and private practice experience, Anne Marie has worked with children with speech and language impairments, and their families, all across the US.
Anne Marie founded Play & Thrive Speech Therapy in January 2022 in the hopes of offering families more flexibility and collaboration. She believes in partnering with families to help early learners improve their speech and language skills through play. She currently lives in Arnold, MD with her husband. When not in the clinic, she can be found homeschooling her two older kids or running with the youngest in the stroller.
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