Posted on April 1st, 2023.

As a parent, it can be concerning when you notice that your child is struggling with their speech or language development. Communication has many aspects, so it's important to understand the difference between "speech" and "language" since these terms are not one and the same. A speech delay/disorder refers to a problem with the physical production of speech sounds, while a language delay/disorder refers to difficulty understanding or using words and sentences. At Tryumph Speech Therapy, we specialize in evaluating and treating both speech and language disorders for children throughout Texas and Kansas.

Does My Kid Have Speech Issues?

If you're wondering whether your child has a speech issue or difficulty with the movement of their mouth, tongue, or lips, you can look out for several signs. For example, if your child is not using sounds appropriately for their age, or if they are having trouble being understood by others, they may have a speech disorder. Some common signs of a speech disorder include:

• Difficulty with certain sounds or sound patterns 
• Stuttering or repeating sounds or parts of words
• Hoarse or raspy voice

It's important to note that every child develops at their own pace, so it's not uncommon for a child to have difficulty with speech sounds and/or language at some point. However, if you're concerned about your child's speech or language development, it's always a good idea to seek the advice of a speech-language pathologist.

Most Common Speech vs Language Problems

Some of the most common speech disorders we see at Tryumph Speech Therapy include articulation/speech production disorders, fluency/stuttering disorders, and voice disorders. Articulation disorders refer to difficulty producing certain sounds or sound patterns, while fluency disorders involve stuttering or other disruptions in the flow of speech. Voice disorders can involve hoarseness, raspy voice, or other issues with the quality of the voice.

Language disorders, on the other hand, can involve difficulty understanding or using words and sentences. Some common language disorders we treat include receptive language disorders, which involve difficulty understanding spoken language, and expressive language disorders, which involve difficulty using language to communicate. Some common signs of a language disorder include:

• Difficulty following verbal directions without gestures
• Difficulty using appropriate vocabulary or formulating grammatical sentences
• Difficulty with social interaction, including challenges with turn taking, staying on topic, or non-verbal communication (eye contact, facial expression, body language) 

How Are They Commonly Treated?

At Tryumph Speech Therapy, we use a variety of techniques to treat speech and language disorders. Treatment will depend on the specific disorder and the needs of the individual child. Some common treatment techniques we use include:

• Articulation therapy, which focuses on helping children produce speech sounds correctly
• Fluency therapy, which helps children improve their fluency and reduce stuttering
• Voice therapy, which helps children improve the quality of their voice
• Language therapy, which helps children improve their understanding and use of language

Our speech-language pathologists work closely with each child and their family to develop a customized treatment plan that meets their specific needs.

How Does Tryumph Speech Therapy Onboard New Clients and Treat Customers from Texas and Kansas?

At Tryumph Speech Therapy, we are committed to providing high-quality care to all of our clients. We begin the process by conducting a comprehensive evaluation to assess the child's speech and language abilities. This evaluation helps us identify any areas of concern and develop a customized treatment plan.

Once a treatment plan has been developed, we work closely with each family to schedule therapy sessions at a time and location that is convenient for them. We offer virtual therapy sessions for families throughout the entire states of Texas and Kansas and in-person therapy sessions for families in Austin, Texas.

Throughout the therapy process, our speech-language pathologists provide ongoing support and guidance to help children reach their full potential.

When Is the Right Time to Get a Speech Therapist?

The right time to get a speech therapist can vary depending on the individual child and their specific needs. However, as a general rule, if you have concerns about your child's speech or language development, it's best to seek out a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention is key to achieving the best possible outcome since not all children will "grow out of it." As a guideline, speech and language concerns should be addressed as soon as possible and ideally before a child starts kindergarten.

Some signs that your child may benefit from speech therapy include difficulty producing certain sounds or words, trouble understanding and following instructions, and difficulty with social interactions or making friends. If your child is not reaching speech and language milestones at the expected age range, this may also be a sign that they could benefit from therapy.

At Tryumph Speech Therapy, we offer comprehensive evaluations to help determine if your child could benefit from speech therapy. Our team of experienced speech-language pathologists will work with you and your child to identify any areas of concern and develop a personalized treatment plan to address them.

In conclusion, speech and language disorders can have a significant impact on a child's ability to communicate effectively and interact with others. If you're concerned about your child's speech or language development, it's important to seek the advice of a speech-language pathologist. At Tryumph Speech Therapy, we offer a range of services to help children with speech and language disorders, including articulation/speech production, fluency/stuttering, receptive language, expressive language, pragmatic language/social skills, and cognitive aspects of communication.

Our experienced speech-language pathologists are dedicated to helping children achieve their communication goals and improve their quality of life. We take a personalized approach to treatment, working with each child and their family to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals.

If you're in Texas or Kansas and looking for a speech-language pathologist, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Tryumph Speech Therapy. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you determine if speech therapy is the right choice for your child. Contact us at (512) 898-9858 or [email protected] to schedule a consultation today.