Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy for Children and Young Adults. By Jules Tushuizen.
Speech Pathology:
Improved Communication Skills:
Helps children express themselves clearly and effectively.
Enables better understanding and use of language in various contexts, such as conversations, storytelling, and academics.
For example: A child with a speech delay might struggle to pronounce certain sounds or words, leading to frustration and difficulty communicating with peers and adults. Speech therapy helps children and adolescents to articulate sounds correctly, making it easier for others to understand them.
Enhanced Social Interaction:
Some children and adolescents find it hard to make friendships and understand ‘social rules’ which can make communicating confusing. Speech therapy aims to support communication and interactions with peers and family members.
For example: the development of social skills like turn-taking, listening, understanding and expressing emotions, and maintaining conversations.
Increased Confidence and Self-esteem:
Builds confidence in expressing thoughts and ideas.
Reduces anxiety related to communication challenges.
Example: A child who stutters may feel self-conscious about speaking in public. Through speech therapy, they learn techniques to manage their stuttering and gain confidence in speaking situations, improving their overall self-esteem.
Occupational Therapy:
Development of Daily Living Skills:
Helps children learn essential skills for everyday activities, such as toilet training, dressing, self-feeding, sensory integration with a range of textures for play as well as for mealtimes and new foods.
Promotes independence and autonomy in self-care tasks.
Example: A child with fine motor delays may struggle to hold a pencil or button a shirt. Occupational therapy provides activities and exercises to strengthen hand muscles, give practical skills to play, kick and throw balls, and become more independent.
Support for Sensory Processing:
Addresses sensory processing difficulties, such as sensitivity to touch, sound, or movement.
Helps children regulate their responses to sensory input and participate more comfortably and advocate for themselves if something is overwhelming or uncomfortable in daily activities.
For example: A child with sensory processing disorder may become overwhelmed by loud noises or avoid certain textures. Occupational therapy offers sensory-based interventions to support the child or adolescent through teaching strategies, allowing them to engage in activities without distress, and advocate and express their needs.
Promotion of Play and Social Skills:
Encourages participation in play activities to foster social interaction and creativity.
Teaches skills necessary for successful play, such as sharing, taking turns, and problem-solving such as expressing their needs.
For example: A child with developmental delays may struggle to engage in imaginative play or interact with peers. Occupational therapy incorporates play-based interventions to promote social skills and peer interaction, facilitating meaningful play experiences.
Each individual is unique, however the research-based strategies can be applied with tangible and observable outcomes. While one solution will be the best fit for everyone, therapy is tailored and changes over time to specifically with the needs of the client.
