One of the most challenging times parents in Sydney always go through is when they cannot communicate effectively with their children. Speech, which is the sounds we make, only makes sense when language is utilized and combined to make meaning. Most children with language disorders struggle to produce and understand language in any format. We can help them by contacting speech therapists for kids Sydney to help them become more successful in communication. The therapist will advise you on the best steps to boost your child’s communication, even at home. Below are great ways to modify the environment to support your child’s language needs.
Utilize Sign Language
Sign language is one of the best ways to communicate with your kids with delayed language. You can teach children to communicate by pointing or showing them what they want, making it easier to meet their needs. It helps them understand the power of communication and how to go about it as they strive to learn speech. They will be motivated to learn they can also control their environment by communicating. Teach them sign language by making them watch videos of the basic things.
Use Shorter Utterances to Speak to Your Child
Children’s minds are still small, and it is difficult to comprehend everything. It’s essential always to use sentences that are above the level of sentences that they are using. An example is using two-word utterances if your child is using one. Always use utterances that they are familiar with, such as uttering one word many times while mixing two utterances. This will train your child to utter and understand utterances that are much longer than this.
Additionally, introduce to them a model for how to increase their utterances. As in the example, using two utterances can help them understand how to combine two words to make sense. You don’t have to use this all the time, but ensure that you use it during your language-building times. Using more complex utterances might not help your child since they won’t understand it.
Use Simple Steps When Directing Them
Helping your child understand something requires patience and a lot of repetition. Makes them a complex direction easier when traveling or doing something they will often be confused in the middle. Children with language delays often take time to understand a direction since they can’t communicate in language. If you want your children to do something, you need to break it down into the slightest utterance possible instead of asking them to please find a place at the dining table. You can ask them to sit down. It will help them understand what they are required to do. Once you notice they can do a one-step direction, you can increase the challenge by combining two simple steps.
Avoid Assuming Your Child Needs
Most parents or guardians have the tendency to assume what their child might want. Sometimes, it works, and sometimes, it doesn’t. It’s important to try to understand what they might want before assuming a thing, either when they start grunting, pointing, crying, or using any other non-verbal communication. If they are using nonverbal communication, always process to ask them what they want. This ensures you meet their needs.
Getting a Breakthrough!
Trying to improve your child’s language delay can be overwhelming, especially if you have a busy schedule. In that case, always engage with a qualified therapist to help your child with language delay. Still, you can take your time implementing all the above steps and ensuring that you support your child.