Speech therapy is often misunderstood as support limited to pronunciation or speech sounds. According to Attiya Dadabhay, a speech therapist and audiologist, this view causes many children to miss early support that could significantly shape their learning and communication.
Speech therapy and audiology cover how children understand language, express themselves, hear sounds, manage feeding difficulties, and process instructions in classroom settings. These skills form the foundation of school readiness and social interaction, long before a child is expected to speak clearly.
“If people don’t understand what we do, then they won’t know when to bring their kids or make referrals appropriately,” Dadabhay explains.
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Scope of speech therapy
Beyond speech sounds, therapy addresses comprehension, expression, auditory processing, and feeding challenges. Children who struggle to follow instructions or communicate their needs may not have behavioural issues but underlying language difficulties that require professional assessment.
Hearing also plays an important role. When a child does not hear clearly, language development is affected from the earliest stages. For this reason, hearing assessments are often the first step when speech or language delays are suspected.
Structural influences
Physical structures in the mouth influence how speech develops. Dadabhay notes that missing teeth or other structural changes can alter how children learn to articulate sounds. Children adapt their speech to the structure they have at the time, which means therapy is often most effective once these changes are resolved. “Structure plays an important part in speech and articulation,” she says.
This process requires patience. Speech therapy is not an instant fix, and progress depends heavily on consistent practice beyond the therapy room.
Home language environment
The home remains the most powerful space for language development. Rather than formal teaching, children learn language through everyday routines and repeated interaction. Talking during mealtimes, bath time, or errands provides meaningful exposure without pressure.
Dadabhay encourages parents to follow their child’s interests, use play as a tool for communication, and reduce reliance on screens. Human interaction, repetition, and shared attention build stronger language skills than flashcards or educational apps used in isolation.
Pre-linguistic foundations
Before words emerge, children develop essential pre linguistic skills. Eye contact, imitation, turn taking, and vocal play are the building blocks of later speech and language. These skills develop through play and interaction, particularly in the first three years of life.
Receptive language, the ability to understand, develops before expressive language. Even when children are not yet speaking, they are absorbing language through constant exposure and interaction.
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Timing of intervention
Some speech sound errors are part of typical development, while others require attention if they persist beyond expected ages. Early assessment helps determine whether a concern is age appropriate or needs intervention.
Left unaddressed, speech sound errors and stuttering patterns can become harder to change as children grow older. Early support works with the brain’s flexibility during childhood, making intervention more effective and less stressful.
Multilingual language development
Exposure to more than one language does not confuse children. When languages are used consistently, children are capable of acquiring multiple languages naturally. Early exposure supports language development and cultural connection, particularly in multilingual households.
The key is consistency and meaningful interaction rather than limiting language use out of fear.
Parental guidance
Parents are usually the first to notice when something feels off in their child’s development. Dadabhay encourages families to trust these instincts and seek assessments instead of waiting in uncertainty.
Every child develops at their own pace, but language thrives in environments where communication is valued, supported, and responsive. Through early awareness, natural interaction, and timely support, children are better positioned to develop strong communication skills that carry into learning and relationships.
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Image credit: Nextgen Learning
