For children receiving speech therapy, progress can often be accelerated by incorporating regular Speech therapy at home. While clinic sessions are crucial for professional guidance and assessment, the time between sessions presents an ideal opportunity to reinforce and build upon the skills learned.
Research indicates that “parent-implemented home programs and traditional therapy have similar effectiveness in improving speech and language outcomes and were more effective than no intervention” (Tosh, R., Arnott, W., et al. (2017)).
In order to complement effectively in-clinic therapy, families need to :
- consistently do speech therapy activities between sessions as well as incorporate into daily activities
- parents need to be given clear instructions by the speech and language therapist
- parents should regularly be in contact speech and language therapist
In this article, we will explore various strategies and techniques for making the most out of in home speech therapy practice.
How can parents help with speech therapy at home?
To make your home speech therapy sessions as effective as possible and overcome resistance and lack of motivation, consider the following tips:
- Do your activities in a quiet, designated space free from distractions (and, if possible, siblings who might interfere)
- Keep practice sessions short and focused at the same time every day to build naturally the habit of doing speech at home
- Use a variety of your child's toys or everyday objects, speech therapy worksheets, digital games and hands on activities to keep it fresh and engaging
- Give your child a say in selecting activities or materials.
- Provide praise, acknowledge their efforts, no matter how small the achievement may seem or utilise small, meaningful incentives like sticker charts to encourage progress
- Outside focussed sessions, at your child’s eye level, model correct speech
- Be patient, this is a marathon, not a sprint
- Provide feedback to your speech and language therapist to adjust home practice therapy plan, activities and goals
How to do speech therapy at home?
Many websites will give your generic information on how to do speech therapy at home if you aren’t being supported by a speech and language therapist.
Some websites will say for example:
- read to your child, imitate, role-play, give choices – this is great for early language development but not for neurological issues or articulation issues
- use flashcards – sure, which ones? This is good for early language development, possibly for articulation but not for phonological process disorders
We’ve all heard this, this is generic, unhelpful and likely ineffective… Because these are likely things that you are already doing at home.
Now the truth is, speech and language therapy is complicated, this is why speech and language therapist have years of study to assess, diagnose and treat your speech and language disorders.
Speech disorders may sound the same for an untrained parent but the effective therapy is different depending on the disorder. Don’t waste your time with empty generic online advice and speak to a profesionnal.
For example, a child may say the sound /t/ for /k/, so “cat” might be pronounced as “tat.” This could be an articulation disorder that requires articulation therapy. If a child systematically replaces /k/ and /g/ with sounds like /t/ and /d/, for example, “go” becomes “do” or “key” becomes “tea”, this could be a phonological process disorder that requires minimal pairs therapy.
Can I do home speech therapy myself?
Speech therapy at home is not meant to replace professional guidance. Rather it is meant to supplement and reinforce the therapy your child receives from their speech and language therapist.
A professional will give you what is most appropriate and personalised for your child. They can suggest a an effective plan with home activities for language development, therapy plan for a speech delay, aphasia exercises at home or articulation activities and games.
How to support my child’s emotional journey with home speech therapy?
Speech therapy can sometimes be emotionally challenging for both parents and children. Children may feel self-conscious or frustrated about their difficulties. Parents can get frustrated after a long day that a child isn’t focussed during their speech at home activities.
It’s essential to remember that above all, home based speech therapy is a moment for you and your child to connect and that it should remain fun throughout… some days will be easier than others. Listen actively to them, validate their feelings and redirect. Rinse and repeat the next day. And when it gets tough… try being silly!
Through regular practice and a supportive therapist, you can actively contribute to your child’s progress.
