Supporting Your Child's Speech Development: Tips and Insights

I'm excited to share my journey as a parent of a bright and energetic 7-year-old boy, who will be turning 8 this July. Despite being neurotypical with no developmental delays or hearing issues, my son has been in speech therapy for the past 2.5 years. Watching his progress has been both inspiring and challenging.

Over these years, he has made remarkable strides in his speech development. He's mastered the 'L' sound in various positions and significantly improved with the 'ch' and 'sh' sounds, although he occasionally struggles with these in casual conversation. Seeing his hard work pay off has been incredibly rewarding.

Currently, our main focus is on 'r' blends, which seem to be his biggest hurdle. Alongside this, he has some unusual vowel pronunciations that we're working on. Another aspect of his development is his occasional need for oral input, such as chewing on his shirts, though this isn't consistent. It’s something we’re keeping an eye on, as it may relate to his speech challenges.

He attends weekly 25-minute virtual sessions with a speech therapist, and I supplement these sessions by working with him at home a few times a week. We use resources like Artic Rep and Rebus storybooks, which have been quite helpful. Despite these efforts, I worry about his self-confidence, especially since his peers sometimes struggle to understand him. This has been a source of concern for me, as I want to ensure he feels confident and understood.

My primary concern is his self-esteem and the potential long-term impact of these speech difficulties. I'm hopeful, yet I often wonder about the likelihood of him overcoming these challenges completely. Would additional steps, such as Occupational Therapy or incorporating more tactile activities like playing with sand and play dough, provide further benefits? I'm particularly interested in any research insights or personal experiences that could guide us in the right direction.

As we continue this journey, I am eager to connect with other parents and professionals who have navigated similar paths. Your guidance, advice, and shared experiences would be immensely valuable. How have you supported your child through similar challenges? What strategies or therapies have you found effective?

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your insights and support mean a great deal to us as we strive to help our son achieve his full potential and boost his confidence.

Guidance from Mary Foukleva-Hutchison, SLP

Based on what you've shared, I don't see any reason he shouldn't be able to overcome his speech challenges. The 'R' sound is one of the most challenging sounds for kids to learn and can take a lot of practice and patience. It's also a later-developing sound, so it's quite common for it to still be developing until a child is around 7 or 8 years old.

Mastering the 'R' Sound

Working on the 'R' sound early is beneficial, especially if it's affecting his confidence. However, it's important to note that the process might be longer due to the numerous variations in how 'R' can be articulated. If he can say 'R' outside of blends, this is a good sign and means you're on the right track.

Home Practice

You're already doing a fantastic job practicing at home with tools like Artic Rep and Rebus storybooks. Consistent practice is key, and incorporating these tools can make the learning process more engaging for your son.

Oral Input and Occupational Therapy

Regarding his occasional chewing on shirts, while I don't have specific research correlating tactile tasks and articulation delays, seeking an Occupational Therapy (OT) consult could be a good step. An OT can assess whether what you're observing is typical for his age and whether additional support might be beneficial. They can also suggest activities that might help with his sensory needs, such as playing with sand or play dough.

Takeaway

• Persistence and Patience: The 'R' sound is challenging and might take time to master, but with consistent practice, your son can overcome it.
• Positive Reinforcement: Continue to encourage and celebrate his progress to boost his confidence.
• OT Consultation: Consider consulting an Occupational Therapist to address his sensory needs and ensure comprehensive support.
• Home Practice: Keep up the good work with home practice using engaging tools like Artic Rep and Rebus storybooks.

Your dedication to supporting your son's speech development is commendable. With continued practice, patience, and possibly some additional professional input, he is well on his way to overcoming these speech challenges.