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What is Lisp? A lisp is a functional speech disorder, which makes learning a specific speech sound, or a few specific speech sounds difficult.  How many of you know the cartoon character “Sylvester” he is a cat with a lisp. Yes, you heard that right, so if you want to know how lisping sounds like, check out his cartoon. Many of us believe that lisping is primarily associated with incorrect production of sibilants i.e. /s/ and /z/ making it sound distorted. While this is true to a certain extent, in reality, the complications can be even worse.   Medical professionals and speech-language pathologists have identified four types of lisp disorders viz : Frontal Lisp Dental Lisp Palatal Lisp Lateral Lisp Let’s now look into each one of them in detail: Frontal (Interdental) Lisp Primarily, speech, or any sound for that matter, is produced with the combination of the correct placement of the tongue in the mouth and the expulsion of air. With a frontal lisp , the tip of the tongue protrudes between the front teeth, that is, it obstructs the airflow. Consequently, the “s” and the “z” sound in words tend to be vocalized as “th” sounds. For example, words like “bass” and “slate” may be pronounced as “bath” and “thate”. This is the most commonly found type of lisp. Dental Lisp This is a lot like a frontal lisp. The main difference is that in a frontal lisp, the individual protrudes their tongue between the front teeth, while with a dental lisp, the individual pushes their tongue against the front teeth. Just like a frontal lisp, a dental lisp may be seen in very young children as they are just learning to form coherent sentences, but it usually goes away by the age of four. Palatal Lisp As the name suggests, this lisp has an association with the soft palate, that is, the roof of the mouth. Whenever an individual roll their tongue too far back and touches it against the roof of the mouth, they tend to develop palatal lisping. Unlike interdental and dentalised lisps, palatal lisps are not characteristic of normal development. Lateral Lisp A lateral lisp occurs when the airstream for the ‘s’ sound, which is normally directed through the center of the mouth, is thrust down laterally around the sides of the tongue. So instead of a hissing, the sound is more of a wet and slushy noise where the sound swirls out of the sides of the mouth rather than directly through the center. Individuals with a lateral lisp often sound as if they have too much saliva in their mouth Dental lisps and frontal lisps are a part of normal speech development but the lateral and palatal lisps are not a part of normal speech development and hence it will need immediate remedial support. Causes of Lisp: As a functional speech disorder, lisping has no clear known cause. It is often referred to as a speech delay of unknown origin. But to mention a few of the known causes are as follows: Structural irregularities of the tongue, palate, or teeth (including abnormalities in the number or position of the teeth). Mild hearing loss involving high frequencies may also impair a child’s ability to hear language correctly and be able to repeat phonetic sounds. In some cases, a child with no physical abnormality will develop a lisp. They might be imitating someone who has a lisp. Some children will adopt a lisp as a means of gaining attention. Immature development. Lisping developing after some psychological trauma Tongue thrust. Frequent upper respiratory illnesses often stuff the nose, forcing these children to breathe through their mouths. Closing the mouth and teeth to make  s  or  z  sounds cuts off the breath, so children compensate by trying to speak without closing their mouths completely. Thus, a lisp develops. Co-occurrence: Lisping may not present by itself, there might be associated conditions too. The primary condition among them is “tongue thrust”. Tongue thrust, or “reverse swallow”, is an orofacial muscular imbalance where the tongue comes forward exaggeratedly between the teeth. This can happen while speaking, swallowing, or even when the tongue is at rest. Because tongue thrust can cause significant dental issues in the future, it’s important to determine whether the lisp is actually the result of tongue thrust or not. Most children with tongue thrust issues outgrow them by age six but remember early intervention is always better for a better prognosis. When to consult an SLP? The interdental lisp and the dentalized lisp are common in normal speech development. Lisping can be common in small children as well as those who have lost their front teeth. However, if your child’s lisp goes beyond their early elementary school years or starts to interfere with overall communication, it’s important to see a speech therapist. The evaluation will determine if there is a physiological basis for the lisp and identify the type of lisp. Lateral and palatal lisps are not found in typical speech development and should be evaluated by a speech-language pathologist. If untreated, lisping can persist into adulthood. For some children, everything they say seems to be interdental. In these cases, there may be an obstruction of the nose because of infection, allergy, enlarged adenoids, or other facial problems. Excessive interdental speech can also be related to mouth breathing and sucking habits. These children should be seen by a physician to treat the health problems and then referred to a speech-language pathologist to correct the lisp. Read a detailed blog Tips for improving speech clarity in kids Treatment for Lisping: Articulation therapy proves successful for a lisp. A speech-language pathologist finds out whether the child can hear proper speech sounds, and proceeds to read a list of words with specific sounds that the child is having trouble articulating. Lists of contrast words are also read so that the child can hear the minimal differences in different sounds in a word. Therapy then moves to working on the position in the word where the sound occurs; that is, in the beginning, in the middle, or at the end. Specific word exercises follow, beginning with single sounds, then syllables, and moving on to words, phrases, and sentences. Finally, the child participates in controlled conversations. How can parents reduce the risk of a lisp? Prevent tongue thrusting by restricting pacifier use or choosing to breastfeed their babies. Speak clearly in complete sentences around their children and not use baby talk. Treat allergies and respiratory illnesses immediately to keep the nose open and breathing free. Monitor the child’s hearing ability. Practice drinking from a straw, this will help the oral musculature to improve the intelligibility of speech Even though early intervention is critical for a better prognosis, it’s never too late to see a speech therapist as an adult.  With dedicated practice, a lisp can be corrected. Most lisps are developmental and resolve themselves in children by the time they are about five to eight years old. Speech therapy is recommended if it lasts longer. The outcome of speech therapy is usually quite good. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment can take a bit longer, so consistency is key.

Nowadays there are various apps that help your toddler talk. These apps help with speech and language development. Here is a description of some apps that you would have heard of. All the following Toddlers target speech and language skills. The links to the apps are also added below. 100 words for Babies and Toddlers This app helps your child develop an interest in learning new vocabulary. The app uses colourful graphics and vibrant animations. It is mainly targeted at learning new vocabulary. It is recommended for children between 1 to 4 years of age. You can introduce vocabulary in various theme settings. These include  Zoo, Fruits, Bath time, Vehicles etc. When your child touches the screen, the app names the object touched. Children can learn new vocabulary by means of repetition when the button is clicked. It has various educational benefits. Specifically, speech and language skill development, vocabulary acquisition, visual and auditory word recognition and fine motor skill development. Otsimo Speech Therapy SLP You can use this app to target language skills. It also helps in teaching vocabulary to your child using various categories. It understands your child’s speech with a speech recognition system. The app contains various categories such as vocabulary activities. It also includes articulation activities. To its advantage, the app contains a video/audio/picture recording option for your child with playback ability. If you have more than one child, you can make profiles for each child within the app. All the activities are fun-filled with a lot of games. Furthermore, this app is used by parents as well as speech-language pathologists. Speech Blubs  You can use the Speech Blubs to target language skills. The app is recommended for children between 1-8 years of age. You can introduce children to various categories. These include numbers, colours, shapes, animals and much more. It also focuses on building sentences with attractive animated characters. The app keeps children engaged and interested in the activities. You can use fun-filled activities with this app. They are also educational in nature. There are various advantages of using this app. Such as it contains video models of a child saying the words. Photo/video recordings of your child with fun filters/stickers are an additional feature that you can use. SpeakEasy: Home Speech Therapy This speech app helps parents as well as speech-language pathologists. It helps to boost child language development. The app focuses on caregivers. It uses fun, easy and effective daily activities to promote speech and language development. It has different categories such as pre-verbal, first words, word combiner and full sentences. The app also has activities for different routine activities of your child. These include bedtime, playtime, bath time etc. It has an inbuilt tracker that helps monitor your child’s language skill development.  A speech-language pathologist has designed this Toddlers apps. Children with or without language delays can use this app. Written explanations are an added advantage of using this app. . It also gives videos and activity suggestions on a weekly basis. It includes a “Learning Lab” of additional articles that caregivers can read more about on various topics. Articulation Station  This is one of the best Toddlers apps that focuses on speech production. It helps with the articulation of specific sounds. The app helps you to work on a specific sound in different positions of the word. These include initial, medial or final positions. You can also choose whether you want to work at the word level or sentence level.  Speech therapists can use this app to assign activities for a home plan. You can use it with the guidance of a speech therapist. The advantages of the Toddlers apps are that it covers all the English consonants. It also has the picture option to practise the words. It has the option for the parent or child to record their speech while using or practising their sounds. And it also has various activities to work on the different sounds. It is important to remember that any app that you use with your child must be done by consulting a speech language pathologist . Consult with us today!!

Developmental Disability is a term for a group of disorders that are due to cognitive or physical deficits. Additionally, they often develop in the early years of a child’s growth and last throughout life. Likewise, some developmental disabilities are often present at birth. Therefore, they are detected later in life. Hence, the “Wh” of Developmental Disabilities blog will give you an insight. Understanding developmental disabilities in children  is essential for early identification, effective intervention, and support. These conditions can affect how a child speaks, learns, moves, or behaves, and early signs may vary widely from child to child. Parents, educators, and caregivers play a crucial role in observing developmental milestones and seeking help when concerns arise. What are the red flags for Developmental Disabilities? Delayed Motor Milestones Achieving head control, sitting, walking later than peers Delayed Speech and Language Milestones Speech babble, first words later than peers Attention deficits and fleeting eye contact Cognitive deficits Average learning skills Average academic skills Deficits in behavioral functioning Hearing/ Vision deficits Read a detailed blog on: 1-2 years: Speech and Language Milestones How to check the risk of Developmental Disabilities? Firstly, every child is observed by his/her pediatrician during the growing stages. Secondly, screening for any delays in growth or red flags in the child’s behavior is very crucial. Additionally, it helps for early detection and treatment. In other words, the earlier the delay is found and addressed, the better the outcome of the treatment. Routine developmental screenings especially in the early years are a vital part of identifying developmental disabilities in children. Tools like milestone checklists, standardized questionnaires, and parent interviews are often used to help monitor progress and spot potential concerns. What are the Developmental Disabilities? Firstly, there are many developmental disabilities. Here are some of the developmental disabilities: Autism Spectrum Disorders Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Cerebral Palsy Intellectual Disabilities / Specific Learning Disabilities Congenital Abnormality Down’s Syndrome Speech Language Disorders Syndromes and Genetic Abnormalities Learning Disabilities Central Auditory Processing Disorders Bipolar Disorder These conditions vary in severity and impact, and a child may experience more than one type of developmental challenge simultaneously. Recognizing these early can help create supportive interventions to encourage lifelong development. How is it diagnosed? Firstly, developmental disabilities are diagnosed by a team of professionals. Hence, a multi-disciplinary team will involve: Physician/Medical Practitioner Developmental Paediatrician Genetic Counsellor Speech-Language Pathologist Occupational Therapist Physical Therapist Psychologist This team approach ensures that all aspects of the child’s development are evaluated thoroughly—from communication to motor skills and emotional health. What are the treatment options? There is no known cure for developmental disabilities. However, research seems very promising. In other words, Individualized Programs are the treatment option for developmental disabilities. Therefore, it is based on the disorder. After that, your physician may ask you to go to a specific professional. Furthermore, the professional will help the further growth of your child. Hence, skill-specific programs are tailor-made to suit the child’s needs. In other words, these activities will focus on the functional needs of the child. In conclusion, some of the programs advised may be: Inclusion Speech-Language Therapy for communication development Occupational Therapy for functional growth Special Education for academic progress Physical Therapy for motor skills Medications if required Intervention plans are most effective when they are holistic, family-centered, and flexible to the child’s evolving needs. How to support a person with Developmental Disability? Therefore, this March 2021, let’s strive to remove barriers. Above all, aim at building a more inclusive community for all persons with developmental disabilities. Supporting a person with a developmental disability begins with understanding, empathy, and respect. It's important to first educate yourself about the specific disability whether it's Autism, Down syndrome, or another condition so you can better understand how it affects the person’s communication, behavior, and learning. Communication should be clear, respectful, and patient, using simple language or visual cues if needed. Always focus on the individual's abilities rather than limitations, and encourage independence by recognizing and building on their strengths. Inclusion is key ensure they feel welcomed in conversations, social events, and decision-making processes. Creating a predictable routine and structured environment can also help them feel secure and confident. Most importantly, treat them with dignity, celebrate their progress, and support their unique journey with kindness and consistency. We can together build a better world!! For more ideas check out our other related blog

Do you have trouble speaking or understanding others? You're not by yourself. Communication is a problem for many people, but there is good news! You Can Get Help from a Best Speech Therapists In Mumbai! Speech therapy can have a profound impact on a person's recovery from a stroke or a child with speech problems. However, how? Let's comprehend this. Communication is essential for establishing connections with people, succeeding, and managing the fast-paced world around us in a city as dynamic and diverse as Mumbai. Our capacity to communicate effectively can have a significant impact on many facets of life, whether we are speaking with friends, family, coworkers, or even complete strangers. However, a lot of people have speech and language impairments that make it difficult for them to communicate effectively. Speech therapy is a crucial intervention in this situation, providing a means of overcoming these obstacles and living a more connected, satisfying life. Here is the list of Best Speech Therapists In Mumbai: 1SpecialPlace : 1SpecialPlace is proud to be recognized as the best speech therapist in Mumbai  and India’s leading online speech therapy provider. With over 10 years of expertise, our certified speech-language pathologists offer evidence-based therapy for speech delays, autism, stuttering, voice disorders, and more. Whether you prefer in-clinic sessions in Mumbai or the convenience of secure online therapy from home, we deliver personalized care that empowers individuals of all ages. Our innovative approach, compassionate professionals, and proven results have transformed thousands of lives globally. Choose 1SpecialPlace for accessible, effective, and family-centered speech therapy that helps you or your loved one thrive. Healkin : In the field of home healthcare, Healkin's top speech therapists in Mumbai are experts in providing patients with individualized treatment in the convenience of their own homes. Having worked in the medical area for more than 20 years, we are aware of the particular difficulties presented by illnesses like Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, stroke/brain injury, dementia, and stammering. Assuring a smooth and interesting therapy process, we are dedicated to treating patients and empowering people on their path to recovery. We customize therapies to meet your child's needs, from articulation to developmental delays, encouraging better confidence and communication abilities. Butterfly Learnings Center : Butterfly Learnings Center has been creating a healthier, more trustworthy society for children with developmental and behavioral challenges. By combining advanced technology with a multidisciplinary approach, Butterfly Learnings has emerged as the best child therapy center in Mumbai. The center’s highly experienced and certified therapists deliver personalized care and tailored intervention programs for every child. With multiple centers across Mumbai, Butterfly Learnings provides a nurturing environment where children can grow and reach their full potential. Its evidence-based practices and engaging activities help children overcome challenges and build the skills they need to become confident, responsible adults. Hira nandani hospital : A person’s voice contributes to their unique identity. Any malfunctioning of the voice can significantly impact daily life. The Voice Clinic at Dr. L.H. Hiranandani Hospital provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for issues related to voice and swallowing, including hoarseness or loss of voice, breathy voice, cracking of voice, pitch changes, straining of voice, tremors or shaky voice, stammering, stuttering, chronic cough, and difficulty swallowing. The team at the Voice Clinic is exceptionally well-equipped to manage a wide range of conditions affecting voice quality, such as vocal nodules, vocal cord polyps, cysts, spasmodic dysphonia, muscle tension dysphonia, vocal cord paralysis, and vocal cord cancers. They also address breathing difficulties, acid reflux impacting the throat, persistent cough from laryngeal causes, and swallowing disorders. Kirane's Clinic for Speech & Swallowing : Patients with speech and swallowing issues are treated at Kirane's Clinic Speech & Swallowing (KCSS), a private clinic in Sion, Mumbai, India. Nikita Kirane is the founder and manager of KCSS (M.A.S.L.P., CCC-SLP, CBIS). They work closely with people of all ages who have different degrees of swallowing and/or communication issues, including newborns, school-age children, adults, and the elderly. To support speech and language abilities as well as swallowing processes, they employ a variety of specialized techniques, including electrical stimulation for swallowing, oral motor programs, resonance voice therapy, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Shaping Therapies : Shaping Therapies, one of the leading speech therapy centers in Thane and Powai, identifies the underlying causes of speech difficulties and addresses them through a carefully planned equilibrating restitution approach. Speech-related issues are not always the result of abnormal brain development or neurological conditions. As a trusted speech therapy center in Thane and Powai, Shaping Therapies is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages overcome speech and language challenges. The experienced team of speech therapists provides personalized assessments and interventions for a wide range of concerns, including articulation problems, fluency disorders, language delays, and aphasia. With a holistic approach focused on improving communication skills and building confidence, therapy sessions are tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. MAX@Home: With individualized care intended to improve communication skills and quality of life, MAX@Home offers professional speech therapy services in Mumbai right to your home. Our qualified speech therapists are dedicated to assisting your growth in the comfortable environment of your home, whether you are recovering from a medical condition or developing your speaking talents. Whether supporting children with developmental delays, adults recovering from injury, or seniors experiencing age-related speech changes, they delivers compassionate care and effective interventions to enhance communication abilities. 8. Let’s Talk Speech Therapy : Let’s Talk Speech Therapy, founded and led by Ms. Nehal Kothari, is a private clinic committed to helping individuals with speech-language and swallowing challenges reach their fullest potential. The clinic is known for its client-centered approach, offering tailored speech therapy services for people of all ages—from infants to adults. Recognizing that every individual is unique in their thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and abilities, the team at Let’s Talk Speech Therapy designs customized intervention plans to meet each person's specific needs. Ms. Kothari works closely with clients presenting a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties, utilizing evidence-based techniques to support their development. Specialized therapy methods such as PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), oral motor therapy programs, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies are integrated into treatment sessions. Articulate Audiology : Our mission at Articulate Audiology, a comprehensive and evidence-based healthcare facility in the center of Andheri West, is to change lives. We provide a comprehensive setup for audiological treatments, speech and swallowing therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and psychiatric therapies as top audiologists and speech therapists in Andheri West. All age groups will receive individualized treatment in our state-of-the-art facility, which is built to accommodate pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. In order to provide comprehensive treatment regimens, our committed team of specialists collaborates and uses a team-based approach. Whether you're looking for specialist occupational therapy for developmental requirements, audiological evaluations for hearing loss, or skilled speech therapy in Andheri West for articulation issues. SpEd@Home : SpEd@Home is home-based special education program created to empower children with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental delays. Built on the principle that every child learns best in a safe and familiar environment, SpEd@Home delivers personalized educational and therapeutic support directly to families, regardless of location. The mission of SpEd@Home is to make expert-led special education accessible, affordable, and outcome-driven, enabling children to thrive academically and in everyday life. With a strong emphasis on early intervention and parent partnership, the program transforms homes into powerful spaces for learning, healing, and growth. One of the best choices for individuals looking for all-encompassing support in Mumbai is 1SpecialPlace. With a staff of highly skilled experts committed to enhancing their clients' lives, 1SpecialPlace provides a variety of speech therapy services, including Occupational therapy, Mental health therapy, nutrional health and special education. Their speech therapists are adept at treating a variety of communication difficulties, and their approach is all-encompassing, emphasizing not only speech but also general health. Speech therapy is an effective way to enhance quality of life, confidence, and communication. People can overcome communication obstacles and live more satisfying lives with the correct assistance.

The age at which children first learn language and begin talking can vary, much like other abilities and achievements. Parents who have some knowledge of speech and language development can determine whether there is a need for concern. Speech delay is a common problem that affects many children. It occurs when a child’s speech and language development is slower than expected for their age. Delays in language The most typical types of developmental delay include language delays. One out of every five kids will develop their language skills later than other kids their age. Some kids struggle with behaviour because they feel irritated with not being able to articulate their needs or wants. Simple speech hiccups can occasionally occur. They might get better by themselves or with a little extra assistance from family. Spend lots of time playing, reading to, and conversing with your infant or toddler. Encourage your child to “speak” to you using gestures or sounds. In some situations, a speech and language therapist will be more necessary to assist your child in learning to communicate and get a proper speech therapy. Delays can occasionally be a symptom of a more significant issue, such as hearing loss, other developmental delays, or even  autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early language difficulties may also indicate a learning issue that won’t necessarily be recognised until school-age. If you are worried about your child’s speech language development, it is crucial to get him/her examined. While there is no single cause of speech delay in children, there are several factors that may contribute to it. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common causes of speech delay in children. This blog is all about the point of views of a few speech therapists in India. When Can My Child Start Talking? Between the ages of one and one-and-a-half, children usually pronounce their first word. The good news is that there are plenty of solutions available to assist your late talker catch up and develop their speech abilities if they haven't begun speaking by their first birthday. To find out if your child qualifies for assistance, for instance, you can get in touch with Early Intervention (EI) if they are younger than three. There are numerous easy things you may do at home to assist your late talker in addition to locating resources, whether through EI or another source. Milestones of speech & language development for 0-1 year old The first words a newborn says are like music to a parent’s ears. But how can you tell if your child is developing his/her speech and language normally? General milestones can act as a guide to typical speech and language development, even though every child learns to speak at his or her own pace. Parents, doctors and other healthcare professionals can use these milestones to identify when a kid may require more assistance. Your kid might by the end of three months: Grin when you see me. Make gurgling noises When addressed to, remain silent or grin; appear to know your voice For various requirements, cry differently. Your kid might by the end of a year: when playing with you or when left alone, make gurgling noises Talk and make different noises. Using voice to convey happiness and discomfort He or she should turn their eyes toward the sound. Pay attention to any shifts in your voice tone. Take note of the noises some toys make. Listen to the music Attempt to mimic speech sounds. utter a few words like “dada,” “mama,” and “oh no.” Recognize simple directions like “Come here” Recognize words for everyday objects, such “shoe” Turn to face the direction of the sounds. Milestones of speech & language development for 1-2 year old Your youngster might towards the end of the first 18 months: Know the names of well-known individuals, things, and bodily parts. Observe straightforward cues and gestures. utter up to ten words. By the end of 24 months, your child might: Use simple phrases, such as “more milk” Ask one- to two-word questions, such as “Go bye-bye?” Follow simple commands and understand simple questions Speak about 50 or more words Speak well enough to be understood at least half the time by you or other primary caregivers Top signs of speech delay in toddlers The earliest indication of a speech delay could be if a newborn isn’t cooing or making other sounds at two months old. Most infants can speak simple words like “mama” or “dada” by the age of 12 months. Older toddlers who have speech delays include those who: Age 2: fail to use 25 words or more Uses no unusual two-word expressions or noun-verb combinations as of age two and a half. Age 3: doesn’t use at least 200 words, doesn’t ask for items by name, and even when you live with them, they are difficult to comprehend. Unable to speak previously acquired words at any age. Read a detail blog on speech dealy here. Causes of speech delay in toddlers There are many significant milestones during the early years of childhood. The first time your infant or toddler speaks is one of the major milestones. It makes sense that many parents might worry about their toddler’s speech development. There are two distinct but linked groups for speech development. The first is language processing, which encompasses both expressive language production and receptive language understanding. The second category is articulation, which is the capacity for speaking clearly. Either category may have issues alone or simultaneously. Many factors might impede or postpone a toddler’s speech development. While some do warrant concern, others are simple to resolve. Physical disabilities that make it difficult for your toddler to appropriately form words or developmental problems that hinder the area of your child’s brain that aids in word interpretation and processing can also be contributing factors. Sometimes mild hearing issues or recurrent ear infections can contribute to your toddler’s “late talker” status. Does a speech and  language delay differ? According to Zainab Ismail of theslpinthecity “ When someone novice, hears the word “speech therapist” it is right for them to assume that the terms “speech” and “language” are one and same. While Speech is a spoken output which in turn, is the result of systematic interplay between mechanisms namely, respiration,, phonation, resonation and articulation. Language on the under hand is the to and fro exchange of information and ideas. It is a means of communication and encompasses much more meaning than a repertoire of speech sounds. “If language is the “programme”, then speech are the “codes” you need to successfully run this programme.” Both speech and language development follow a typical chronology in terms of achieving age-appropriate milestones. These co-occur and develop simultaneously. Having understood the difference between the two, delays in speech and language can also be distinctly defined. Speech delay reflects a delay in achieving articulatory success or the production the phonemes (smallest unit of sound) in a given language. Speech sound disorders is the umbrella term used to depict conditions that affect the processing, articulation and production of speech sounds. Language delay encompasses delayed achievement of communication milestones (age referenced norms to track the child’s development in areas of receptive and expressive abilities). It means the child may have a difficulty in both understanding what is being said and how he/she uses spoken language. Though speech and language delays are closely related and mistakenly interchanged, a fine difference between the two exists. In such a scenario, Speech language pathologists who are trained professionals can help distinctly identify and correctly diagnose the problem.” How are speech and language delays diagnosed? Manasa RB of happycrisps says “Speech and language delays are prevalent these days, especially due to a number of factors such as, decreased interaction with peers, increased screen time, and also increased awareness of parents and teachers about the same. Speech and language delays are diagnosed by a speech language pathologist who would use informal and formal measures to arrive at the diagnosis. To arrive at a Speech Language Assessment Session , the speech language pathologist would interact with the child, observe the parents interact with the child , talk to the parents and obtain all information related to communication and other interactions at home. The use of certain formal tools and scales may also be employed to identify the functioning level of the child.  The speech language pathologist may also make referrals to other professionals such as a developmental paediatrician, an occupational therapist, a special needs educator etc depending on the need. “Once a diagnosis is arrived at, the speech language pathologist may make recommendations to the family, which could include attending speech language therapy and other interventions, as deemed necessary . “ How does speech language therapy help a toddler? Toddler hood is a stage where children get to learn a lot of things and their development takes place rapidly. We refer to this period as critical period. In addition to that, based on research, toddlers with language delay tend to exhibit increased and frequent tantrums. “So for toddlers with language delay , speech therapy is beneficial as it improves their communication skills and thereby reducing tantrums & frustration.” It also helps in improving social skills , play skills and early literacy skills preparing them for school. According to Saleth Monica of   sol_speechtherapy . For how long does a toddler with speech delay need speech language therapy? Duration of Speech Language Therapy for a toddler with speech delay depends on the degree of delay and the causative and co-occurring problems like hearing difficulty, attention deficit, psychosocial issues and the environment where the child is growing. “As the child grows biologically, speech language therapy would focus to bridge the gap between the developmental and biological age.” The strategies that are engaged in structured sessions needs to be carried over to the home or school environment. This determines how fast we can bridge the gap. If the speech delay is due to stimulation and environmental issues, the duration required is considerable low and can quickly mainstream the child as any typically developing child, says  Sweta of speech.therapist.mommy . How can parents help their child with speech/language delay? Pratiksha Gupta, Founder & CEO of 1Special Place  opines, “In the words of Jane D Hull, ” At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success, is the positive involvement of parents.” Parents play a crucial role in the speech and language development of kids. A parent is the perfect partner in communication which is a two-way process. Here are some simple tips using which a parent can help their child who has a speech & language delay: Play with your child . Get involved and play. Make it fun, hands on and engaging. Use your child’s interest and spend time playing with his/her favourite toy. Read to your child . Reading big bold books with repetitive words helps in building vocabulary and gives opportunities for children to learn the language rules. Sing to your child . Singing songs and rhymes in your native language has huge benefits. Children can learn new concepts, words and more in a sing-song fun way! Reduce screen time . Passive screen time is harmful for kids. Supervision and regularization are critical. Children should be exposed to minimal screen time and you should make it an engaging activity where you talk and discuss what the child is watching. Read more here about screen time in infants and toddlers. “ What resources can help a child with a speech/language delay? There are plenty of resources that can help a child with speech and language delay. Here is a general list. Toys : Depending on the age of the child you should choose a toy which stimulates learning and imagination. Some wonderful options are dolls and doll houses, wooden blocks, cars, trains and other vehicles, kitchen toys, puzzles and more. Don’t let gender bias rule your mind while playing with your child. Read more here about toys for speech and language development. Books : There is a large variety of books to choose from. Go for books which have simple clear images with bold colours. Touch& feel, Lift the flap, puppet books are a few examples. Read more here about books that can help a child talk. Worksheets : Hands on worksheets that build on specific skills like vocabulary building, sentence structure, grammatical concepts and more should be used. Find some amazing worksheets for your child here . Boom Cards : Boom Cards offer an exciting interface for kids to learn various concepts that help them talk. Click here to checkout Boom Cards by 1SpecialPlace. Apps : We all use iPads for our day-to-day life. Why not use it for Speech Therapy too?. Learning to talk can be made more fun at home. iPad has many apps that you can use. Check our favourite ones here . This excerpt by Pratiksha Gupta With our exclusive Online Speech therapy india exercises and best online speech therapist India, receive cutting-edge treatment from the comfort of your own home. At 1SpecialPlace you have the right to be confident in your communication and to learn from the finest. 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Parenting a child with a special needs, whether it’s a physical disability, a learning disability, an emotional challenge, or a developmental disorder , can necessitate the acquisition of specific skills, such as care giving or advocacy, as well as time and energy commitment that can jeopardize careers, marriages, and relationships with other children. Over the years parenting has been studied far and wide by researchers. However, in recent years, we have seen this parenting research has put more focus on positive approaches. It has evolved into outcome-based rather than risk based. While each child’s needs are unique, the experts’ advice to parents is the same: do not let your own physical and emotional health deteriorate. Being a Special needs parent is a huge responsibility: Being a parent comes with a lot of obligations. According to India’s 2011 census data, there are 20,42,887 disabled people in the country. There are 4,17,657 people with visual disabilities, 4,76,075 people with hearing disabilities, 1,96,890 people with movement disabilities, 1,14,621 people with speech disabilities , 91,673 people with mental retardation, 16,350 people with mental illness, 1,49,211 people with multiple disabilities, and 5,80,410 people with other types of disabilities. We can see from the data that India has a big number of people with special needs. In India, it is estimated that three million people suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder . Other issues, such as Cerebral Palsy or genetic illnesses such as Down Syndrome, might have an impact on a person’s physical and cognitive development. What does it mean to have a child with special needs? Physically disabled, mentally challenged, speech and language impaired, emotional disability, and learning disability can all be examples of special needs children. Physical disabilities: Epilepsy, eye issues, hearing impairments, and persistent asthma are examples of physical disabilities. Mentally challenged: This term encompasses conditions such as cognitively delays and deviance, some syndromes like Down syndrome etc. Speech and language impairment: It relates to issues such as being unable to adequately communicate and speak. Emotional impairment: It is defined as being antisocial and unable to express one’s emotions. Learning disability: A learning disability is a condition in which a child’s mind is unable to process information from his or her senses. Parents of children with special needs have five distinct needs. Here’s a brief list of things that may ring true for Special needs parenting deal with the ups and downs of life with a child who is considered “special” for whatever reason: 1. You, too, are deserving of attention: We are frequently put in situations where we must care for others. Asking friends or relatives to bring you dinner every now and then, getting a pedicure, going on a date night, or whatever else you enjoy doing are all examples of this. Take the time to savor whatever makes you feel special and cared for. 2. Support and self-care: Parents who have children with special needs are typically fatigued and unhappy. Their self-care resources and time are depleted even more than those of parents of average children. However, they have a greater demand for recharging. It is critical for parents to care for their own needs in order to stay afloat during the marathon of caring for a child with special needs. This website contains important information on taking care of oneself and one’s well-being. 3. You’re a superhero, after all: You may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound or run faster than a bullet, but you are still a superhero. You deal with problems that a typical parent would consider impossible on a daily basis. Stretching stiff muscles, remembering medications, injecting and infusing medicine are all things you do. During gruesome medical procedures, you hold hysterical children. You have to cope with temper tantrums and meltdowns. And you almost always avoid throwing a tantrum or melting down yourself. You urge your child to do things that experts said they’d never be able to achieve, but you never gave up hope. You’re a therapist, a nurse, a doctor, a friend, and a confidante all rolled into one. You’re not your typical parent. 4. Play is a form of therapy: I’ve learned, developed, and come to realize a lot since then. Therapy is play for children, and play is therapy. What I mean is that the greatest therapists can persuade my kid to participate in tough exercises that he would otherwise avoid by turning them into a game that he enjoys. We followed in their footsteps and did the same at home. 5. Make time for your children: We super parents are notoriously busy and over scheduled. While everything on your calendar is important, you should also set aside time to play, laugh, be foolish, and simply enjoy your children. Read to them, cuddle with them, and discuss what’s important in their lives. Outside of the hospital, make memories. List of government institutes in India that cater for Special needs All India Institute of Speech & Hearing, ( AIISH) Mysuru National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD) National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities  (NIEPID) National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD) Swami Vivekanand National Institute of the Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) National Institute for Loco motor Disabilities (NILD) Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLRTC) National Institute of Mental Health and Rehabilitation (NIMHR) List of Indian schools for children with special needs Knowing the benefits of attending a specialist school, we’ve listed eight options below to support you further: Nalanda Foundation, first By providing a welcoming environment that values learning diversity and encourages academic, social, and personal advancement, NLFP educates students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. They provide a safe learning environment both physically and emotionally. Because there are 15 students in each category, everyone may receive specialised attention. In addition to this, they offer services like counselling and remediation in addition to information created by qualified teachers. Integrated School of Aditya Birla The goal of this school is to help students reach their full potential while fostering traits like amity, boldness, honesty, and sincerity in order to create learners who are content, confident, balanced, and self-sufficient. This facility provides special kids with an exclusive special education programme that highlights their subpar skills and helps them compete. Six speech training programmes are available at the TABIS campus, which is equipped with resources like language therapy labs, sensory integration gyms, audio-visual aids, and much more. Therefore, the ultimate goal is to build a body of knowledge and skill in the area of unique learning requirements in order to give parents, teachers, and professionals in this sector with specialised educational plans, information services, resources, counselling, and therapeutic treatments. Vidyaniketan public School Teaching students with learning disabilities may require additional personalisation and a well prepared programme. To guarantee these, Vidyaniketan has made progress. It makes the claim that it combines learning style expectations for the comfort of special kids. Students receive prompt analysis of their updates and guidance as necessary. Aatman Academy This Thane, Maharashtra-based institution makes the claim to be one of the top ten for students who have some learning compromises. The school first started off by teaching students with LDs. Later, after 10 years, they grew and also started serving additional special needs students. The school has an inclusive learning curriculum that supports each student in a different way because they recognise that every child is unique. Heritage Xperiential Learning School This institution, which has its base in India’s NCR, aims to mould the nation’s residents who struggle with learning. This school makes the claim that it works on a high-quality education programme, where each child’s learning capacity is closely watched so that they can be inculcated appropriately. Children with special needs can learn at their own pace thanks to the school’s special needs programme. Parenting is a challenging journey and more so, when you are parenting children with special needs . When we place importance on factors like that, we make our roles as parents more challenging. It is important to note that the change in our lifestyle also demands a change in our approach. So what if we start treating children with unconditional love?  That means loving them for who they are instead of loving them for behaving your way. Among private clinics 1SpecialPlace is an organization which provides best online speech therapy in india .

Parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and moments of learning. When a child is diagnosed with high-functioning autism, this journey may take unexpected turns, but it can still be incredibly rewarding. High functioning autism, often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviours. In this guide, we’ll explore what high-functioning autism entails and offer insights for parents on how to support their child’s development and well-being. Understanding High Functioning Autism: High functioning autism is a term used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who have average or above average cognitive abilities. These individuals often exhibit fewer severe language and intellectual impairments compared to those with lower-functioning autism. However, assuming things about the lives and skills of others is not a good idea. It's likely that you will be mistaken. Additionally, you might unintentionally cause issues or damage someone's feelings. The terminology we use to talk about neurodiversity evolves along with our understanding of it. Descriptors like "high-functioning" should become obsolete, according to many autistic campaigners today. We need a brief medical history lesson to comprehend why. However, they still face challenges in various aspects of social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. 1. Early Diagnosis and Intervention: Early intervention is crucial for children with high-functioning autism. If you suspect your child might be on the autism spectrum, seeking a professional evaluation is essential. Early diagnosis allows for tailored interventions that can positively impact your child’s development and long-term outcomes. 2. Individualized Support: Every child with high functioning autism is unique, and their strengths and challenges will vary. Creating an individualized support plan, in collaboration with educators, therapists, and medical professionals, is essential. This plan might include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural interventions, and educational accommodations that cater to your child’s specific needs. 3. Social Communication: Children with high functioning autism might struggle with understanding social cues, engaging in reciprocal conversations, and making and maintaining friendships. As parents, you can help by teaching explicit social skills through role-playing, social stories, and visual supports. Encourage your child to practice social interactions in controlled settings to build confidence. 4. Sensory Sensitivities: Many individuals with high functioning autism experience sensory sensitivities, where certain sounds, textures, or lights can be overwhelming. Pay attention to your child’s sensory preferences and aversions. Create a sensory-friendly environment at home and advocate for similar accommodations in school settings to help them feel more comfortable and regulated. 5. Routines and Predictability: Routine and predictability can provide a sense of security for children with high functioning autism. Establish consistent daily routines and use visual schedules to help your child understand what to expect. Transitions between activities can be challenging, so provide advance notice and support during these times. 6. Special Interests: Many children with high functioning autism develop intense interests in specific subjects or activities. These interests can serve as a source of motivation and comfort. Embrace and encourage your child’s passions, as they can be valuable tools for learning and social interaction. 7. Communication Strategies: If your child has challenges with verbal communication, consider augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, such as picture boards or electronic devices. These tools can help them express their thoughts and needs effectively. 8. Building Independence: As your child grows, fostering independence becomes essential. Teach them life skills, such as self-care routines, money management, and grocery shopping. Gradually increase their responsibilities, while providing guidance and support as needed. 9. Addressing Anxiety: Anxiety is common among individuals with high functioning autism due to social and sensory challenges. Teach your child relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to help manage anxiety. Create a safe space where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. 10. Advocating for Inclusion: Advocate for your child’s inclusion in mainstream educational settings whenever possible. Work with educators to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that addresses their specific needs while promoting social integration and academic growth. 11. Celebrating Progress: Celebrate even the smallest victories. Recognize and praise your child’s efforts and accomplishments. Positive reinforcement can boost their self-esteem and motivation to continue learning and growing. 12. Self-Care for Parents: Parenting a child with high functioning autism can be demanding. Prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, support groups, and professionals. Taking care of your well-being enables you to provide the best support for your child. What to say in its place The world is moving away from describing autistic people with labels like "high- and low-functioning" for a variety of reasons. However, what other options are there? How can you be certain that you're speaking about someone else's or your own talents and disabilities in a courteous and accurate manner? The following are some helpful guidelines: Think about why it is important: In certain situations, such as when organizing a trip or meeting with the team responsible for your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), it is crucial to explain functional abilities. However, those details are superfluous the rest of the time. Be precise: When discussing someone's functioning skills, accuracy is crucial. Give a thorough explanation of the things they can perform on their own and the areas in which they need more assistance. Question the individual: You should never assume you know someone's identity, their abilities and limitations, or the kind of support they require. Ask them directly instead. Before depending on a guardian, try writing, visual aids, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices with a nonspeaking person. Make use of the clinical terminology: There is no precise definition for the term "high-functioning." Since the DSM-5 defines medical terminology, Dr. Wong prefers to utilize it. Instead, she tries to teach parents to refer to their children as having "level one autism." Some famous high-functioning autistic individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields: Temple Grandin: Renowned for her work in animal behaviour and welfare, Temple Grandin is an advocate for autism awareness and an accomplished author. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Grandin’s unique perspective and insights have revolutionized the livestock industry by designing more humane and efficient systems for handling animals. Her life story has been an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of embracing neurodiversity. Daryl Hannah: The acclaimed actress Daryl Hannah has achieved recognition for her roles in movies such as “Blade Runner” and “Splash.” Despite struggling with social interactions, she has used her platform to raise awareness about autism and advocate for environmental causes, demonstrating that individuals with autism can excel in creative and influential fields. Dan Aykroyd: Known for his comedic brilliance as a Saturday Night Live alum and star of movies like “Ghostbusters,” Dan Aykroyd is an example of an individual who has harnessed his creativity and unique perspective to succeed in the entertainment industry. Aykroyd has openly discussed his diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, contributing to public awareness and understanding of autism. Hikari Oe: A celebrated Japanese composer and author, Hikari Oe was diagnosed with autism as a child. Despite facing challenges in communication and social interactions, he has demonstrated a profound gift for music composition. His compositions have earned critical acclaim and have been performed by renowned orchestras worldwide, highlighting the incredible talents that can emerge from individuals with autism. Susan Boyle: Susan Boyle captured hearts globally with her stunning vocal performance on “Britain’s Got Talent.” Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, Boyle’s journey from humble beginnings to international recognition showcases the power of pursuing one’s passions and breaking down stereotypes associated with autism. Ethan Walmark: A young musical prodigy, Ethan Walmark gained attention for his extraordinary piano skills. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Ethan’s ability to play complex pieces by ear demonstrates the incredible potential of individuals with autism to excel in areas of their interest and passion. John Elder Robison: An accomplished author and advocate, John Elder Robison has shared his experiences as a person with Asperger’s syndrome through his books and public speaking engagements. He provides valuable insights into the challenges and strengths associated with autism, promoting understanding and acceptance. Heather Kuzmich: Known for her participation in the reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model,” Heather Kuzmich used the platform to raise awareness about Asperger’s syndrome. Her journey on the show shed light on the unique perspectives and talents that individuals with autism can bring to various domains. These individuals, among others, have not only achieved recognition in their respective fields but have also contributed to raising awareness and understanding of high functioning autism. Their stories emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating neurodiversity while showcasing the remarkable achievements that can emerge from embracing individual differences. In conclusion Parenting a child with high functioning autism comes with its unique challenges and rewards. By understanding your child’s individual needs, providing tailored support, and fostering a loving and accepting environment, you can help your child navigate the world with confidence and reach their full potential. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and there are resources and communities available to offer guidance and support every step of the way.

Do you know what is the most Googled question on Autism ? No idea! It is, Is Autism Curable? Have you wondered the same! Do you think Autism is curable? This question has been on the minds of people around the world. Further, be it, researchers or parents, everyone wants to know if there is a cure! Let’s find out today! Is Autism Curable? What is Autism? Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference. In other words, it simply means a person with Autism has a unique nervous system. Further, Autistic individuals have atypical brains. Do we consider this slight variation a disorder? This is something we need to think about! Is it a disorder or just neurodiversity? Typically, Autism develops as a child grows. People discover signs of Autism as early as 12 months in an infant, often even earlier in a child. Often, Autism cannot be diagnosed until later in life, especially if the signs are subtle. When you search online for autism treatment , you will see hundreds of resources and claims. But it’s important to understand the facts before making any decisions. Is Autism a disorder? Most people think Autism is a disorder. Autistic people are atypical. But they do not have a disease/ disorder. Autism is not a disability, but a different ability! So, next time don’t think of it as a disorder or a disease. In other words, Autistic people are a part of neuro-diversity in the human race. However, Autism is considered a disability from a legal point of view. This is because Autistic people need access to extra support, care, and government aid. Since each person with Autism is unique, their need for support also varies. Autistic people have a high vulnerability in everyday life. Hence, when they are considered as disabled, it is to protect them from this vulnerability. No human is perfect, but it is our ability to love and live with the imperfections that make us humans! Does Diet or Alternative Therapy Cure Autism? Now, let’s talk about the main question. Is Autism curable? The answer to this is, NO! Autism cannot be cured! There is no medical miracle or cure for Autism. 90% of research for Autism cures has no answers. Further, if you have read autism can be cured by any of the below: Medicines Genetic methods Psychotherapy Other treatment methods etc., The answer is no! These methods cannot help cure or eliminate Autism! Beware of fraud claims. There are many options available, but be mindful of what you choose! Further, here are some points to think of before taking up any treatment, Examine the data: Look at the numbers! Look for evidence: Is there research on the method! Is it legal? Weigh the risk and benefits Talk to your medical provider Can Therapies Cure Autism? Can Speech-Therapy , Occupational Therapy, or Applied Behavioral Analysis cure Autism? No! These therapies give support to the Autistic person. The therapies are only meant to support them to lead a better life. Therapies are crucial as they help them. It helps them communicate, regulate sensory needs and handle anxiety. Furthermore, therapies assist Autistic people to be the best they can be. Why is there no cure for Autism? Let’s talk about why is there no cure for Autism? Here are a few reasons why is there no cure for Autism. Autism involves Theory of Mind deficits Therapy of Mind (TOM) is a human’s innate ability to understand other humans. Further, TOM is genetically pre-wired. TOM helps a person to empathize with a fellow human. This is why Autistic people are often socially awkward.  So, TOM cannot be cured or treated. Since it is a mental concept. The reality is, that every Autistic person is a complete human being. It is just that their perception of emotions and the world around them is unique. However, Autistic people can learn to be empathetic. Given enough love, care, and support, they too can understand other people. Brain Wiring Differences Autism comes with changes in brain wiring and programming. In other words, researchers have found notable changes in Autistic brains . The length of connections, proteins in the cerebellum, and brain tissue differences are seen. Hence, a person with Autism has an atypical brain structure and program to a typical person. This explains the way they function. There is nothing much one can do to change the brain. So, accept these differences! No medication can re-route the brain connections. Autism is Neurodiversity All humans do not look the same! We have unique DNA and features. Why is it so? We are made uniquely. This is due to genetics and evolution. Similarly, each of us has a different personality. Similarly, Autistic people have diverse brains. Their brains function differently. Like how we all look different, Autistics behave differently. Autism is a part of diversity. Hence, Autism is just another state of mind. So, accept the diversity in the human race! So, help and support them if not anything else! Please drop us a comment if you liked the article. If you wish to know more about Speech Therapy, kindly contact us. For more ideas check out our other blogs!

Apraxia is a motor speech disorder that occurs in children. When a child has Apraxia of Speech (AOS), they have difficulty moving their lips and tongue to make the required sounds correctly. A child with childhood apraxia of speech knows exactly what to say. The issue lies in how the brain communicates the signals to move the muscles in the child’s mouth. A child with Apraxia of Speech  may present with the following: Do not always say words the same way each time, i.e., inconsistent speech errors. Speech errors occur in vowels and consonants. They tend to put stress on the wrong words or syllables. They can say or repeat shorter words more clearly than longer words. Apraxia is not a speech disorder that children outgrow. Nor is there a cure for it. A child with apraxia will have difficulty learning speech sounds in the typical order and will make limited progress without treatment. Speech therapy for apraxia can take a lot of time and work, but your child’s speech can improve with consistent effort. There are various factors that determine the long-term prognosis of apraxia of speech : 1. Family History When you have other family members with apraxia, you can consider their long-term outcome. If they have had good progress, it’s likely that your child might progress similarly, considering the aetiologies for both are also similar. 2. Severity of Apraxia The more severe the apraxia speech disorder , the longer your child will need speech therapy services and the longer it will take them to progress. 3. General Health Children whose general health is good tend to have a better prognosis. This is because they are more accessible to learning compared to children who have periods of time when they are less “learning available” due to an illness (middle ear infections, upper respiratory infections, etc.) 4. Cognitive Skills A child with a cognitive delay may have a poorer prognosis than a child with good cognitive skills. 5. Attention to Speech Speech therapy for Apraxia requires long sessions of intervention. Children who have attention-related issues will require longer sessions as compared to children with average attention skills. This is required for learning and generalization the learned skills. 6. Self-awareness Many times apraxia of speech in children might not be aware of the speech errors or the difficulty that others face with regard to their speech clarity. This, again, calls for longer intervention periods. 7. Self-monitoring skills When a child is able to self-monitor their speech, they make quicker progress than children who are unable to self-monitor. When the child is not able to monitor, the speech-language pathologist constantly gives them feedback about their performance. This is one of the most important skills for a child with Apraxia speech to master. Without self-monitoring, it can be quite difficult for them to make improvements. 8. Age of commencement of the intervention Children can be diagnosed with apraxia as early as 3 years of age. The earlier the intervention starts, the better it is for prognosis. Early intervention for childhood apraxia of speech is key to progress! 9. Frequency of Therapy When it comes to apraxia, the more frequently the child receives appropriate therapy, the better his or her long-term prognosis. Intensive, individualized sessions of speech therapy for apraxia have been shown to produce better outcomes. 10. Level of Motivation A child who is more motivated to work with a therapist on increasing their speech intelligibility has a better prognosis than a child who is resistant to their therapy. 11. Parent Participation, Support & Home Training As parents try to understand what Apraxia means. Ask questions to your child’s speech-language pathologist. When you understand your child, you can help them better. Participate in sessions and support your child on his way to progress. Follow up with the home training tips and activities assigned after every session for maximum progress. Conclusion As parents, be wary of any prognostic statement which is absolute in either direction. No speech-language pathologist can say with absolute certainty whether your child will completely recover. Neither will they be able to tell you if your child will ever be able to talk. If you suspect your child has childhood apraxia of speech , here is a questionnaire that can help you understand it better. Please complete it and get back to us for a complete speech and language evaluation for your child. It is difficult to estimate the long-term outcome of child apraxia of speech , as there are limited studies in this area. This is due to the fact that there are no two children with apraxia who are exactly alike in terms of their apraxic characteristics. Some studies that have been completed on the various therapeutic techniques for the treatment of apraxia in children are very promising and limited but growing. If you’re wondering will apraxia of speech go away , remember: consistent therapy, support, and early action make a significant difference in outcomes. Speech therapy for apraxia of speech remains the most effective way to help your child communicate more clearly and confidently over time.

Improve Speech Clarity in Adults, Speaking clearly helps to convey our thoughts and ideas. Clear speech also  helps in establishing social relationships. Speech clarity in adults can be affected by a number of conditions in adults, such as Dysarthria, Facial Paralysis or Paresis, Misarticulation, Weakness of Oral Structures, First Language influence, Hearing loss and also untreated childhood speech/language conditions. How to improve speech clarity in adults Clarity of speech becomes even more important in adulthood due to many other aspects.  For instance, if a person’s speech is not clear it may affect his career, it may attract extra attention in social environments and that may make one feel uncomfortable and/ or embarrassing at times. Expert help is a must to improve the voice clarity. Here are some of the tips that can be followed at home to improve the quality of speech. Make sure you have a good breath support: Good breathing is essential to have good speech. Regular practice of breathing exercises has significant benefits on improving the speech clarity. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly by stretching it as long as you can. Also, make sure that you take a deep breath before you start speaking. Keep your mouth empty: Excess saliva in mouth makes speech to be heard as wet or gurgly. Make sure you swallow saliva completely and keep your mouth empty. Maintain good posture: Stand/ sit straight, do not shrug your shoulders, avoid tension in neck region. This will directly impact the way you breath, making your breath shorter and can manifest as poor control over exhalation. This results in poor clarity of speech. Make sure you say all sounds of a word: Leaving out the sounds in a word/ phrase makes it difficult for others to understand you. Sometimes, the first and last sound of the word fades away making the speech sound poor.  Therefore make sure, you make an attempt to say all the sounds in word/ phrase, even if you take a little extra time to speak. Use shorter sentences: When there is poor breath support and/ weakness of oral structures, speaking in sentences becomes hard. Use short phrases, focus more on content words thereby giving importance to the meaning conveyed in a message. Slow Down: Maintaining the appropriate speed of talking is another essential part of maintaining good clarity of speech. So, slow down, say each word clearly. If you find it difficult speak slow, slightly tap your thigh (or tap thumb and index finger) and say a word i.e. one tap – one word is a good way of maintaining appropriate speed of talking. Use a mirror: Speak in front of a mirror, pay attention to the word you are saying, how your oral structures are moving, how your mouth appears when you say particular sounds/ words. Keep this in mind when you speak elsewhere. Record and Play: Record your own speech and play it back. Listen where you find it difficult to understand, which words were not clear or which words are heard fine/ different. Practice those words again, slow down if you were speaking too fast, increase your volume if you were speaking too soft. Monitor yourself. Learn the ways of pronouncing each sound: Speech Language therapy will focus on similar Mouth Exercises For Clear Speech and techniques to improve speech clarity. There are certain ways each sound should be articulated. Focusing attention to articulate sounds will significantly improve the speech clarity. Ask all your queries and for help with your speech therapist regularly. Practice regularly and use techniques efficiently: Training and/ or strengthening the muscle does not happen in a day or two. It requires regular practice for longer duration. Are you looking for Speech Clarity tips for your child? Learnt techniques such as speaking out all words, taking good breath etc. need to be incorporated regularly while talking to make speech sound better. Some alternate tricks to communicate effectively : Do not multitask: While talking, do not  use phone or focus on some other work that you have to do. By dividing the attention, there are chances you may miss out on some of the techniques or sounds to articulate well. Use good body language: Give good eye to eye contact, use appropriate gesture using hands, head nods or facial expression. These can substitute for the words you have uttered with poor voice clarity. When you give good eye to eye contact and speak confidently, people generally tend to ignore the clarity issues you have, rather they will focus on message you are conveying. Say it out: Yes! When required, say it out that you have difficulty speaking or difficulty saying certain sounds that may sound different than others say. People will help you by paying good attention to your speech, try guessing the words as per speaking scenario (rather than simply asking you to repeat) or they may fill up the missing words in your speech. Saying it first will lessen your burden/ tension of what others will think, it may make your talk/ presentations go smooth. As I have mentioned earlier, expert opinion and personalised intervention has greater impact on the clarity of speech. Practicing and following these techniques along with your regular speech therapy would give better results. Do consult us at the earliest and get greater benefits. Please feel free to ask any queries in comment section below. Do share with your beloved ones to help them. Subscribe to our weekly tips. For more ideas check out our other blogs

Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for tourists. However, it is also home to many healthcare professionals, including speech therapists, who provide invaluable services to individuals with speech and language disorders. Speech therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the treatment of speech and language disorders. It is a program that helps individuals with communication difficulties to improve their speech, language, and overall communication skills. A speech therapy program is designed to help people of all ages, from children to adults. Speech therapy programs are typically designed by licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who are trained to identify and treat speech and language disorders. These professionals work with clients to create a customized program that addresses their specific needs and goals. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best speech therapists in Dehradun. 1. 1SpecialPlace : A company that recognises the need of meeting each patient’s specific listening needs in order to best serve them. Offering individualised hearing, speech, and communication services is 1SpecialPlace. Regardless of age, we are committed to assisting everyone in enhancing their ability to communicate and achieve long-term career independence. Pratiksha Gupta, M.S (London), senior Speech Language Therapist, founded 1SpecialPlace. Our goal is to offer people of all ages with speech and hearing issues comprehensive and expert audiological care, from prevention through rehabilitation. 1SpecialPlace is one of the Best Speech Therapists in Dehradun. Every patient receives individualized attention tailored to meet their specific needs, resulting in increased quality of life for each one through improved speech and hearing. 2. Pihurahi speechhearing : At Dehradun City, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Pihu Rahi Speech & Hearing Clinic is dedicated to offering top-notch hearing care to our cherished clients. Without the ability to hear sounds and make calls, life is terrible and impaired, so we provide a variety of hearing aids. With numerous facilities, you may anticipate hearing aid equipment for all budgets. We have established a reputation as one of the most customer-focused services in the sector. 3. PShearingcare PS Hearing Clinic stands apart from the competition because we treat each customer individually and pay attention to all of their concerns.  For the best results, patients should attend their local PS Speech and hearing clinic where they may get high-quality speech therapies, rehabilitation professionals, child development specialists, occupational therapists, and other psychological services specialists. PS Speech and Hearing Clinic is a specialised facility for speech therapy, audiology equipment, hearing aid trials, and fitting. 4. Bloomingwords We have assembled a group of professionals who are completely dedicated to solving every problem in a methodical and scientific manner. A quick recuperation benefits from a warm, cosy setting. Nobody on earth can love you as much as your parents can, as is true. Parents find it incredibly painful to witness their cherished kid suffer. We encourage the mothers of these children to participate in our training and counselling sessions because parents, particularly mothers, play a crucial role in a child’s development overall, including their ability to learn to speak. 5. Ms. Shalini Gupta: Ms. Shalini Gupta is a highly experienced speech therapist in Dehradun who holds a Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology degree from the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore. She has over a decade of experience in the field of speech therapy and has worked with various hospitals and clinics in Dehradun. Ms. Gupta specializes in the treatment of speech disorders such as stuttering, articulation disorders, and dysarthria. 6. Ms. Nidhi Sharma: Ms. Nidhi Sharma is a highly qualified speech therapist in Dehradun. She holds a Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology degree and a Master of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology degree from the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore. She has over a decade of experience in the field of speech therapy and has worked with various hospitals and clinics in Dehradun. Dr. Sharma specializes in the treatment of speech disorders such as stuttering, apraxia, and dysarthria. 8. Goldleaf ENT Center : Dr. Akhil Kukreja, M.S. (ENT), launched a branch of Goldleaf Healthmed in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, in 2016. We work passionately to give our patients high-quality services and treatment at this cutting-edge ENT Care Center. All of the programmes and services we offer are created to satisfy the requirements of the patients, families, and communities we support. Our committed ENT surgeon, nurses, support staff, and volunteers never stop working to improve the health of everyone we treat and to carry out our aim of providing expert care while showing a sincere interest in our patients. 9. Deeksha Speech and Hearing Clinic The Deeksha Speech and Hearing Clinic was founded by Dr. Deeksha Payal in 2016. The clinic’s two guiding principles are Speech and Hearing Care. A essential sense that is crucial to your quality of life is speech and hearing care. Each person’s life is impacted by speech disorders and hearing loss. We give you the individualised care you need in addition to the diagnostic, educational, remedial, individualised hearing aid, speech disorder, hearing impairment, ear, occupational therapy, special education, psychological disorder, and rehabilitation services required to ensure that your short-term and long-term health care needs are met. It is a comprehensive rehabilitation facility under one roof in Rishikesh, India. We uphold a strict code of conduct and integrity. Speech Therapy is necessary to improve communication. It is necessary for the holistic development of children with a few disorders. Therapy is not just about improving Speech, it also includes language therapy. Many have a misconception that Speech Therapy is just about teaching Speech, but it is more than that. It improves overall communication, enhances social skills, to cope better with society, and helps in functioning day-to-day activities.

In the journey of raising children, fostering holistic development is a top priority for parents and educators alike. While the left brain handles logic and analysis, the right brain is responsible for creativity, imagination, and holistic thinking. Engaging in right-brain exercises can significantly contribute to enhancing children’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive development . In this blog, we’ll explore a range of right-brain exercises that can help kids unlock their creative potential and excel in various aspects of learning. Understanding the Right Brain: The right brain hemisphere is associated with creative thinking, spatial awareness, artistic expression, and emotional intelligence. By nurturing the right brain’s capabilities, parents and educators can provide children with a well-rounded skill set that enables them to approach challenges with both logic and creativity. 1. Music and Rhythmic Activities: Engaging in visual arts and crafts activities encourage children to tap into their artistic abilities and imagination. Activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting allow kids to express themselves visually and enhance their spatial reasoning skills. 2. Music and Rhythmic Activities: Music stimulates the right brain by connecting emotions and patterns. Encourage children to play musical instruments, engage in singing, and explore rhythm through activities like clapping or dancing. Music not only boosts creativity but also enhances memory and pattern recognition. 3. Imaginative Play: Imaginative play, also known as pretend play, encourages kids to create and inhabit fictional worlds. Providing dress-up clothes, building forts, and using props for make-believe scenarios nurtures creativity and storytelling skills. 4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness exercises and guided meditation can help children develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness. These practices encourage kids to explore their inner thoughts and feelings, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and others. 5. Visualizations and Mind’s Eye Activities: Engaging children in visualizations, where they close their eyes and imagine scenes or stories, stimulates their creativity and visualization abilities. Encourage them to describe what they “see” in their mind’s eye, helping them develop their imaginative skills. 6. Pattern Recognition Games: Games that involve recognizing and completing patterns, like puzzles or building blocks, enhance spatial intelligence and creative problem-solving. These activities stimulate the right brain’s ability to identify and work with visual patterns. 7. Storytelling and Creative Writing: Encouraging kids to tell stories or write creatively stimulates their imagination and language skills. This exercise allows them to create their own narratives, characters, and worlds, fostering originality and creative thinking. 8. Nature Exploration: Exploring nature can ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity in children. Engage them in activities like cloud watching, nature scavenger hunts, or examining the shapes and textures of leaves and rocks. These experiences inspire creative thinking and observation skills. 9. Nature Exploration: Introducing children to visual puzzles and optical illusions challenges their brains to see beyond the obvious. These activities develop critical thinking skills and enhance the right brain’s ability to perceive patterns and relationships. 10. Collaborative Art Projects: Engaging in collaborative art projects encourages kids to work together, share ideas, and build upon each other’s creativity. This exercise fosters cooperation, communication, and the ability to see different perspectives. 11. Cooking and Baking: Cooking and baking involve following recipes, measuring ingredients, and experimenting with flavours. These activities engage both creativity and logical thinking, allowing kids to explore their culinary imagination. 12. Coloring and Doodling: Coloring and doodling not only improve fine motor skills but also encourage creative expression. Providing kids with colouring books, blank paper, and various art supplies allows them to freely explore their creative instincts. Read blogs on oral motor exercise for kids Right brain exercises can be particularly beneficial for children with delays, as these exercises often tap into creative, holistic, and sensory-driven approaches to learning. Children with developmental delays may struggle with certain aspects of cognitive, emotional, or social development, and engaging their right brain can provide them with unique opportunities to overcome challenges and thrive. Here’s how right brain exercises can help children with delays: 1. Enhancing Creative Expression: Children with delays might find it challenging to express themselves verbally or through traditional learning methods. Right brain exercises, such as art, music, and imaginative play, provide alternative avenues for creative expression. Engaging in these activities allows them to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and ideas in ways that are comfortable and natural to them. 2. Fostering Sensory Integration: Many children with delays have sensory processing difficulties. Right brain exercises often involve sensory-rich experiences, which can help children integrate sensory information more effectively. Activities like art, sensory play, and music encourage sensory exploration and can lead to improved sensory regulation over time. 3. Encouraging Non-Linear Thinking: Right brain exercises promote non-linear, holistic thinking. Children with delays may struggle with linear thinking, making it difficult for them to connect ideas or solve problems step by step. Engaging the right brain can help them approach challenges from different angles, fostering creative problem-solving and a broader understanding of concepts. 4. Developing Emotional Intelligence: Children with delays may have difficulty recognizing and managing their emotions. Activities that engage the right brain, such as mindfulness and artistic expression, help them connect with their emotions in a non-verbal way. This can lead to improved emotional awareness and regulation. 5. Improving Social Skills: Imaginative play and collaborative art projects can promote social interaction and communication skills. For children with delays, these activities offer safe and enjoyable contexts in which to practice social interactions, develop empathy, and learn about taking turns and sharing. 6. Enhancing Focus and Engagement: Children with delays might struggle with sustained attention and engagement. Right brain activities often captivate their interest and provide a positive outlet for their energy. Engaging in activities like music, storytelling, or hands-on projects can improve focus and attention span. 7. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: When children experience success and enjoyment through right brain exercises, it boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem. Encouraging their strengths and interests in creative activities can counterbalance the challenges they might face in other areas. 8. Personalizing Learning: Right brain exercises can be tailored to suit individual preferences and strengths. This personalized approach allows children with delays to engage in activities that resonate with them, increasing their motivation to learn and explore. 9. Encouraging Multisensory Learning: Right brain exercises often engage multiple senses simultaneously. This multisensory approach can be particularly helpful for children with delays, as it can reinforce learning through various channels, making it easier for them to process and retain information. 10. Promoting Neuroplasticity: Engaging the right brain helps stimulate various neural pathways. For children with delays, this can support neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt—facilitating improvements in learning, communication, and overall development. Incorporating right brain exercises into the routines of children with delays can offer a holistic approach to addressing their unique challenges and promoting their strengths. As with any developmental approach, it’s important to tailor activities to each child’s preferences and needs. Providing a supportive and nurturing environment that celebrates their progress can empower children with delays to thrive and reach their full potential.