Can
speech and language problems be genetic?
There are instances in which
heredity plays a role in a speech disorder such
as in stuttering. There is no known way, however,
to trace genetic markers for speech disorders
unless there is a co-existing syndrome. Your
speech pathologist will assist you with medical
referrals if there is an apparent need for such
a referral.
Does my child have a
speech problem because I do?
It is common for children to
model their parent’s speech patterns.
Therapy for your child will eliminate his/her
problem, but not yours! Consider a partner approach
to therapy.
My child has a speech
problem. Will he / she be ready for kindergarten?
School-readiness is a cooperative
decision between parents and teachers. Speech
pathologists provide input about the impact
of communication disorders on a child’s
ability to successfully interact with teachers
and peers and complete expected classroom activities.
Do communication problems affect academic performance?
The effect communication difficulties
have on academic performance varies with the type
and severity of the communication problem. Children
with difficulty understanding what is said to
them, or problems generating the appropriate language
to respond with speech or in writing, may find
challenges academically. Articulation and fluency
errors, however, are usually inconsequential to
the learning process. It is important to have
open discussions with your child’s teacher
and speech pathologist to determine if communication
problems are or will affect academic performance.
Are my child’s behavioral issues related
to his/her speech problem?
A lack of communication skills
may be a very frustrating experience for children.
These frustrations may lead to behavioral difficulties.
Behavior problems, however, may also stem from
psychological, emotional, neurological and environmental
stress factors and should be addressed by a
behavioral specialist.
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Does
my child have attention / hyperactivity issues?
Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity
problems are diagnosed by psychologists. If
you think your child has problems with ADD or
ADHD, consult his/her pediatrician for the proper
referral.
Would
my child benefit from a special school designed
to work with children who are speech and language
delayed?
Special school selection is
based on the individual needs of a child. Some
children with speech and language problems function
well in a normal classroom environment while
others benefit from a smaller class size, a
higher teacher to student ratio, appropriate
language level expectations and self-paced literacy
development. Many communities offer special
school services. Speech pathologists can provide
resource information about potential special
school placement.
What are the differences
between public school speech therapy services
and private therapy services?
Public schools offer therapy
intervention to children who qualify based on
academic need. Children may not qualify if their
speech or language problem does not interfere
with school performance. Funding for school
services is through the school system while
funding in a private practice setting must be
paid by the family or by the family’s
insurance policy for qualifying individuals.
There are large numbers of children requiring
services in the public schools leading to fewer
available one-on-one therapy opportunities.
Private practice intervention often provides
individualized treatment sessions. Additionally,
a private practice setting gives families the
opportunity to participate with their children,
communicate regularly with the therapist, and
practice activities at home leading to goal
accomplishment. 
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