Therapy Isn’t Forever

Empowering Families for Long-Term Success


As a speech-language pathologist with 15 years of experience across various settings, I’ve observed a concerning trend: burnout among therapists, children, and parents. This insight isn’t about showcasing expertise, but rather addressing a critical issue in pediatric therapy.

We all want to see progress in our children, but it’s essential to understand that therapy shouldn’t be a lifelong commitment. Let’s explore some common scenarios:

  1. Speech Disorders: If your child has been in therapy for /r/ sounds or lisps for over six months without significant improvement, there might be an underlying orofacial myofunctional dysfunction. Addressing this root cause through Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) can lead to improvements within six months. If traditional speech therapy isn’t yielding results, it’s time to consider a different approach.
  2. Autism and Non-verbal Communication: For children with autism who are non-verbal, our primary goal is to establish communication. This often involves implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. At Bayside, we focus on providing communication access which often includes pictures, signs, and AAC devices. We also focus on training families to use and model it consistently. Remember, your daily interactions with your child are far more impactful than our weekly sessions.
  3. Early Intervention for Toddlers: For children under 2 who aren’t talking yet, our approach is to empower you, the parents. In 9-12 weeks, we aim to teach you the skills to become your child’s primary “therapist.” We’ll guide you on early intervention techniques and recommend additional services as needed. If speech concerns persist at age 3, we’ll explore other communication methods.

Therapy in intervals: Research supports this episodic care model as both evidence-based and highly effective. A study by Roberts and Kaiser (2011) found that parent-implemented language interventions were effective in improving language skills in young children with language impairments. It’s crucial to understand that continuous therapy isn’t always the answer. As Guralnick (2011) points out, family-centered early intervention practices that focus on enhancing parent-child interactions in natural environments are most effective for promoting child development.Remember, therapy is a tool to equip you and your child with necessary skills – it’s not meant to be a permanent fixture in your lives. The goal is to empower you to support your child’s development in everyday situations.

Spend time with your Family and Enjoy time with your Kids! Moreover, research by Hart and Risley (1995) emphasizes the importance of everyday interactions and experiences in a child’s language development. Exposing your child to diverse environments – parks, museums, social settings – can be incredibly beneficial for their overall development.

In conclusion, while therapy is valuable, it shouldn’t overshadow the joy of parenting. Ask questions, understand the goals, and remember that you’re the most important factor in your child’s development. Let’s work together to ensure therapy enhances, rather than dominates, your child’s life.

References:

  1. Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The effectiveness of parent-implemented language interventions: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180-199.
  2. Guralnick, M. J. (2011). Why early intervention works: A systems perspective. Infants and Young Children, 24(1), 6-28.
  3. Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. (1995). Meaningful differences in the everyday experience of young American children. Paul H Brookes Publishing.