Does speech therapy for toddlers really work?

Rachel Koshy MS, CCC-SLP

Curious if speech therapy can truly help your toddler? You may be thinking of your own little angel, still mastering the art of potty training and occasionally launching food across the room during meals. The idea of them starting speech therapy with a stranger might seem daunting, but let me assure you: speech therapy for toddlers is a game-changer. With a skilled pediatric speech and language pathologist, sessions become more like playtime, packed with fun for both you and your child. And more importantly: Early speech therapy is key for toddlers facing speech and language delays.

The Importance of Speech Therapy for Toddlers: Addressing Language Delay for Long-Term Development

Language delay can have long-term effects on a child’s development. While many toddlers with language delays will catch up after their third birthday, others might continue to face communication challenges that can lead to academic struggles, social-emotional difficulties, behavioral issues, and even learning disabilities down the road. 

Synaptogenesis, the process by which connections between neurons in the brain are made, begins prenatally and peaks around two and three years of age. This important period is when neural networks for early skills are laid down, and the brain naturally prunes and removes unused connections. That's why a speech and language evaluation is crucial sooner rather than later.

Why Speech Therapy for Toddlers Matters:

Benefits for

Early Development

😀 Communication Skills: Through speech therapy, toddlers can experience significant improvements in their communication skills. You can see this progress in increased vocalizations, gestures, vocabulary size, and the ability to combine words. They become better at expressing their wants and needs and following directions, resulting in smoother interactions with you and others.

😀 Academics and Learning Readiness: Early speech therapy sets the stage for academic success. By catching up with other toddlers their age, they are better prepared to join preschool classrooms. They can effectively communicate with teachers and friends, participate in classroom routines, and follow instructions during activities. This not only boosts their academic readiness but also enhances their confidence and social interactions. When a child can understand and express themselves effectively, they are more ready to learn. By addressing language delays early on, toddlers are better equipped to tackle school activities and absorb new information, setting them up for success in school later on.

😀 Social-Emotional and Behavioral Well-being:  Improved communication skills positively impact a toddler's social-emotional and behavioral development. They can better express their feelings, communicate when they're hurt or unwell, and interact with others more effectively. This fosters a happier, more well-adjusted child who can navigate social situations with greater ease.

Starting speech and language therapy early empowers toddlers with the skills they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It's a proactive step toward ensuring their overall well-being and success in the years to come.

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*I am a speech and language pathologist but I am not your child's speech and language pathologist. This content is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. You should consult with medical professionals before relying on this content. Learn more in our Terms of Use.