Children with speech delays at risk of missing developmental opportunity

A significant number of children grappling with speech development issues face the risk of missing the narrow timeline for improvement as the number of children experiencing language and behavioral difficulties increase based report from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

ASHA indicates a surge in requests for evaluations by parents, coupled with a rise in children exhibiting language and behavioral issues. ASHA President, Robert Augustine, PhD, CCC-SLP, sheds light on the concerning situation, with more children facing difficulties in communication and an increasing number grappling with undetected hearing loss.

Matthew Kwok, co-founder of PenguinSmart said this pressing demand underscores the significance of inclusive speech development. Nevertheless, the scarcity of speech and language pathologists poses a challenge, hindering timely and comprehensive interventions.

Limited window for improvement

Language delays represent the most prevalent form of developmental delay, affecting one in five children who may acquire language skills or begin using words later than their peers. Additionally, certain children may exhibit behavioral challenges due to their frustration with communicating their needs or desires effectively. Simple speech delays can often be temporary and may resolve naturally or with some additional support from the family. Encouraging your child to communicate through gestures or sounds and dedicating ample time to playing, reading, and conversing with them is crucial during their infant and toddler years.

In complex cases, involving a trained speech and language therapist is vital. Language delays can also signal deeper concerns like hearing loss, developmental delays, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“For all rehab therapy, there is a limited window in which help is most effective,” Kwok noted.

“The problem is that most people don’t get the frequency they need during this window. We [at PenguinSmart] are trying to solve that for families with children who have developmental delays who almost always need speech and language therapy,” he said.

What constitutes an inclusive approach to providing speech therapy?

Kwok said an inclusive approach in speech therapy encompasses a multifaceted strategy that embraces diverse aspects of care, ensuring that every child’s unique needs and challenges are addressed. It begins with meticulous progress tracking, where therapists and caregivers collaborate closely, using data-driven insights to fine-tune therapy strategies. This collaborative effort guarantees that milestones are not only achieved but also celebrated, fostering a sense of achievement and motivation for both the child and their support network.

This approach also extends to addressing a spectrum of communication challenges, from speech delays to conditions like verbal dyspraxia and autism. Each child’s journey is unique, and an inclusive approach tailors interventions to suit their specific requirements. By combining cutting-edge technologies and the expertise of professionals, these personalized interventions maximize their impact, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children struggling with speech development.

Furthermore, this inclusive ethos reaches beyond physical barriers through innovative telehealth platforms, ensuring that therapy transcends geographical limitations. This means families in remote areas can access the same quality of care as those in urban centers. Additionally, an inclusive approach takes into consideration the financial aspect, aiming to remove economic barriers by offering flexible payment options and exploring insurance coverage, thus ensuring that quality speech therapy is accessible to every child who needs it.

About PenguinSmart

PenguinSmart, founded by a couple from Harvard and MIT, is an innovative organization with a strong social mission. Our unique approach combines HealthTech with a dedicated purpose, empowering parents to actively participate in their children’s developmental journey. Utilizing advanced data sciences and expert insights, our team has observed remarkable and enduring progress in children by integrating effective communication techniques into everyday life. In certain cases, this progress exceeds the achievements of relying solely on weekly speech therapy, with improvements happening up to 2–3 times faster.

As a socially conscious enterprise supported by the Alchemist Accelerator, PenguinSmart has garnered recognition and was nominated for the prestigious “Top 100 Healthcare Visionaries” global award in 2021. However, our ultimate satisfaction lies in the positive feedback from our clients, consistently rating us highly with 4.8 out of 5 stars. This drives our unwavering dedication to assisting every child and family in reaching their full potential, regardless of their initial circumstances in life.

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