A myth is a widely held but false idea. Speech therapy is not based on made up principles but incorporates evidence-based practice. This utilizes available, scientific research. There are however still some misconceptions about speech therapy that can be dispelled.
Myth-Speech Therapy is only for speech.
The term 'Speech Therapy' is somewhat of a misnomer. In reality Speech is not the only area people are treated for by a Speech Therapist. Speech Therapists are qualified to treat other areas too, such as stuttering, vocabulary, language, processing and literacy to name a few.
Myth- Using 'baby talk' will give your child a speech disorder.
Some form of baby talk is actually beneficial BUT the key is to use it in a helpful way often referred to as parentese.
Parentese involves -
Raising the pitch of your voice.
Changing your intonation techniques such as rhyming or singing to capture your child's attention.
Using facial expressions, gestures and heightened emotions.
Speaking slowly and clearly.
Using simple words and short sentences.
Using words with extended vowel sounds e.g., boo!
Repeating words and phrases.
Myth- Your child will grow out of their speech disorder.
If you take the 'wait and see' approach and it turns put that they don't grow out of their disorder, they may end up stuck with language- learning difficulties for life. On the other hand early intervention is almost always more effective and in some cases can eliminate a speech disorder entirely. It's important not to compare your child with others and to be safe not sorry.
Myth- Children with multiple languages are more likely to develop speech disorders.
Children can learn two languages at the same pace and evidence suggests that children of parents who don't speak English, as their first language, learn better when spoken to in multiple languages. Also, teaching your child multiple languages benefits their long term vocabulary.
Myth- Speech Therapist's just play with your child.
It's no secret child love to play and so it becomes an effective therapy tool. However, speech therapy is far from just 'play time.' Games and activities are an extremely fun, effective ways to encourage your child to reach their therapy goals. Parents should duplicate this effective strategy by integrating play and enjoyment and other speech related activities into daily routines.
