Category: Speech Language Therapy

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How to identify Developmental Delays?

Many children with clinically significant developmental delays are not detected until the first few years of school. Consequently, critical early intervention opportunities for young children who are at-risk of developing problems may be delayed and/or lost.

Every child grows and learns differently; however, children are expected to gain some specific developmental skill sets according to their age.  

 

What is a DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY?

A developmental delay refers to when a child hasn’t achieved some of those developmental skill sets expected according to their age. 

These delays may occur in one or more areas, such as motor function, speech and language, cognitive, social and emotional skills. Different from a developmental disability, such as cerebral palsy or autism, developmental delays may not last for life. Early intervention as in screenings, evaluations, caregiver education, coaching and treatment as needed are possibilities to help children overcome their developmental delays.

 

What CAUSES Developmental Delays?

Although developmental delays can happen to any child, some factors can contribute to it. Some of them are genetic or hereditary conditions, metabolic disorders, trauma to the brain, PTSD, exposure to toxic substances, infections and food deprivation.

 

What are the SIGNS of Developmental Delays? 

Signs may vary from child to child and may be difficult to notice at an early age. However, the earlier a concern is identified, the quicker your child may catch up. Here are some of the most common signs:

  • Learning slower than other children the same age
  • Rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking much later than developmentally expected
  • Being clumsy or having difficulty holding onto small objects, tying shoes, or brushing teeth
  • Trouble learning in school
  • Trouble understanding social cues or carrying on two-way conversations
  • Difficulty dealing with frustration or coping with change.
  • Having problems remembering things
  • Difficulties talking or talking late
  • Inability to connect actions with consequences
  • Difficulty with problem-solving or logical thinking

 

Your child deserves a chance to reach his or her full potential!

With that in mind, we developed the K-Shield Assisted Screening: A complete assessment that will give an accurate picture of whether your child’s development is on track. It is a highly effective way to identify developmental concerns and provide guidance to avoid academic or social school related struggles.

 


K-Shield is recommended for kids from 36 to 66 months old, and includes:
• Live video consultation
• Pre-evaluation with specialized therapists
• Assistance to parents in applying ASQ 3™ questionnaires
• Documentation results supporting the new Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship Program
• Recommendation on intervention activities which parents, daycare and preschool staff can use promoting development before starting school

 

You can learn more about K-SHIELD Screening and choose the best date for scheduling here.

We are here to help you from the beginning!

 

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My child is showing possible signs of Communication Disorders. Where can I find help? – Speech Language Therapy!

95% of parents agree that speech, language, and hearing milestones are some of the most important developmental milestones. However, MORE THAN A QUARTER of concerned parents did not seek help for their child who showed signs of communication disorder, most commonly because they did not know where to go for help.

According to the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), 1 in 4 parents have had concerns about their child’s ability to communicate.

At AC&A, we have an experienced Team of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) with highly qualified professionals educated in the study of human communication, its development, and its disorders. They can assess speech, language, cognitive-communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills and treat any communication disorders or delays using sensory based techniques and interventions, as a large percentage of the speech and language delay/disorders are rooted in sensory processing delays.

These are some of the strategies used by Speech Language Therapists:

  • Language intervention activities: To stimulate language development, the Therapist will interact with the child by playing and talking, using pictures, books, objects, or ongoing events. The therapist may also model correct vocabulary and grammar and use repetition exercises to build language skills with adults and seniors.
  • Articulation (or Sound Production) Exercises: The Therapist will model correct sounds and syllables in words and sentences for a child, often during play activities. The level of play is age-appropriate and related to the child’s specific needs. The SLP will show the child how to make certain sounds, such as the “r” sound, and may show how to move the tongue to make specific sounds.
  • Oral-motor/feeding and swallowing therapy: The SLP may use a variety of oral exercises — including facial massage and various tongue, lip, and jaw exercises — to strengthen the muscles of the mouth for eating, drinking, and swallowing. The SLP may also introduce different food textures and temperatures to increase oral awareness during eating and swallowing.

 

We feel that these interventions are a crucial part of the traditional therapeutic techniques in achieving the most positive outcomes.

 

If you have noticed any of these signs in your child and need more information or guidance, visit our website to learn more and schedule a Live Video chat with a Therapist.

You can also find us on our Social Media Channels:

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We are here to help!