Helping Your Child Find Their Voice

Supporting a child who struggles to communicate can feel like being in a maze with no map. Limited vocabulary, unclear speech, difficulty expressing emotions, frequent frustration during everyday routines are all examples of how simple tasks can be quite challenging. When communication is difficult, it can impact a child’s confidence, interactions, emotions, and even their ability to learn.

We’ve got some good news for you! There are simple and effective strategies you can begin using at home to support your child’s speech and language development, while also strengthening your bond with them. Here are a few tips from our diverse, clinical team:

1. Model language

Describe what you are doing, seeing, or feeling throughout the day. Children learn a great amount simply from hearing natural language in their environment.

2. Reduce the pressure to speak

Children experiencing speech delays communicate more when the pressure is reduced. A great tool is to offer comments rather than questions as it gives your child time to process what was just said.

3. Use gestures and visuals

Pair your verbal words with gestures and pictures to help your child understand language more clearly. This might help to reduce frustration.

4. Celebrate all forms of communication

If your child points, looks, gestures and makes sounds, these are all meaningful steps toward communication.

How ABC Solutions Can Help

At our clinic, families in Montreal and the West Island of Montreal have access to a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in pediatric communication. We have partnered with Clinique Dynamique ND to offer speech language therapy services. Together, we create and personalize therapy plans tailored to your child’s strengths, and challenges. Book now to speak to a member of our team.