A Beginner's Guide About Speech Therapy for CP Kids

 
This training can happen in one-on-one sessions or in a group, depending on your child's needs.

2. Speech Exercises

When your kid is born, the first thing that they learn is how to cry. It is their way of communicating with you and letting you know that they are hungry or need a diaper change.

 
However, as your child grows older, they will start to make cooing noises and eventually start talking. By the time they are one year old, most babies can say a few words like “mama” or “dada.”

 
If your child has CP, they may not reach these milestones as quickly as other babies. That’s why therapy is so crucial for kids with CP.

Speech exercises will involve:
- Have your child practice making different sounds
- Helping them to learn how to move their tongue, lips, and jaw to make certain sounds
- Teaching them how to put words together to form sentences
- Encouraging them to use gestures along with their words
- Helping them to understand and follow simple directions

3. Language Therapy

Learning a language is a complex process that is different for every individual. For children with CP, therapy may develop receptive language skills (understanding what others say) and expressive language skills (using words and sentences to communicate).

A therapist will include language therapy sessions in the following methods:

Play-based therapy

This uses games and activities to help children with CP learn new words and improve their sentence structure. Play-based therapy is often used with younger children who have difficulty sitting still for long periods.

Modeling and imitation

The therapist models the correct way to say a word or use proper grammar. The child is then asked to imitate the therapist. This method is often used with older children who can understand and follow directions.

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

This type of therapy uses pictures to help children with CP communicate their wants and needs. The child will learn to exchange the picture with the therapist or caregiver to request an object or action.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

ACC involves using devices or tools to help a person with CP communicate. It could be as simple as sign language or picture boards to more complex computerized speech-generating devices. People of all ages and abilities can use AAC, and it is never too early or late to start using AAC.

4. Oral Motor Skills Training

Oral motor skills are the mouth muscles needed for eating and drinking. Feeding and swallowing difficulties are common in children with CP. A speech therapist can help your child learn new ways to eat and drink.

Benefits Of Speech Therapy For Cerebral Palsy

1. Improved Communication

Communication is essential for quality of life. It allows us to interact with others, express our needs and wants, and build relationships.

Speech therapy can help improve a child's ability to communicate by teaching them how to produce sounds correctly, improving their articulation skills, and helping them develop alternative ways to communicate if they are unable to speak.

2. Increased Ability To Express Oneself

Expression of oneself is an essential part of life. It allows you to share your thoughts and feelings with others. For children with CP, therapy can help them find alternative ways to express themselves. It includes the use of sign language or other forms of communication.

Conclusion

Cerebral palsy can make your child feel isolated and left out. Speech therapy can help your child feel more confident and included. In addition to building self-confidence, speech therapy can also help your child develop a greater sense of self-esteem. It is because therapy can help your child improve their communication skills. When your child can communicate better, they will feel more valued and appreciated.