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Writer's pictureAbe Barcus

5 Conditions Treated with Pediatric Speech Therapy


kid playing with speech therapist

By about the age of seven, approximately 5% of children have a noticeable speech disorder (Medline Plus). If your child is running into obstacles when it comes to their speech, catching it early and getting support may make a huge difference for their future. Pediatric Speech Therapy can address and improve many speech struggles, and in this article we will cover five of them!


1. Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Apraxia is a ‘speech sound’ disorder that affects a child’s ability to put what is in their brains into speech. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is, “a neurological disorder that affects the brain pathways involved in planning the sequence of movements involved in producing speech. The brain knows what it wants to say, but cannot properly plan and sequence the required speech sound movements”. The effects of the disorder can range from mild to severe, and it can be diagnosed and treated through Pediatric Speech Therapy.


2. Social Communication Struggles

Childhood is an important time for learning how to build social connections. Social communication struggles can take on a number of different forms that may stem from social anxiety, difficulty expressing themselves, difficulty understanding others, etc. Receiving support early can help set a child up for success with social connections as they get older, when relationships become more complex.


3. Stuttering

Unfortunately, most of us have either heard of or witnessed some instance of an individual getting mocked for having a stutter. For many, bullying may cause feelings of shame and loneliness, and cause them to withdraw. When addressed in Pediatric Speech Therapy, not only will they be seen and celebrated for who they are, but they will receive skills to help them overcome their struggles and communicate more confidently with others.


4. Autism Spectrum Disorder

One way that ASD can manifest is in difficulty with communication and social relationships. Some individuals with ASD may be non-verbal or semi-verbal, struggle with expressing themselves, and/or struggle with understanding the way others communicate. By addressing certain struggles early on, someone with ASD can feel better equipped and more confident to navigate communication.


5. Cleft Lip or Palate

When there is a difference in someone’s physical structure in the area of the mouth, such as in the case of a cleft lip or palate, voice issues can arise. Pediatric Speech Therapy can give the child increased speech skills and confidence as they learn to navigate their specific challenges.


If your child is struggling with speech, language, or communication, now is the time to reach out. At Compass Community Health, we have a team of Speech Language Pathologists who are ready to come alongside you and your child as you reach for your goals. Learn more about our Speech Language Pathologists here, or read our blogs where we interview Compass Speech Language Pathologists JoEllen Shaefer-Mays and Beth Newman!


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Your health is important. Compass Community Health is here to help.


Reach out today!

-Email: info@compasscommunityhealth.org,


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-Call: 740-355-7102


-Address: 1634 11th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662




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