5 Benefits of Speech Therapy

Wednesday, September 06, 2023

We understand how frustrating it can be for children who struggle with speech and language skills. At JB, we work with students to determine their specific needs and explore techniques to meet them where they are, both in and outside of the classroom.

Across all campuses, JB employs full-time Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to engage directly with students in small-group instruction and one-on-one therapy. Our educators work with students and their parents to go above and beyond their IEP goals. Speech and language are vital to every child’s development, affecting behavioral tendencies, social interactions, and academic growth. Here are five benefits of speech therapy in special education:

1. It Fosters Academic Success

Speech and language development correlates strongly with a child’s academic performance. Struggles with speech can impact reading comprehension, vocabulary skills, the ability to listen and follow directions, and understanding new concepts. Speech therapy can help a student’s phonological awareness, executive functioning, and ability to comprehend and understand what is being taught within the classroom. Our SLPs provide students with personalized support to evaluate and assist with issues such as:

• Articulation and speech sound disorders
• Receptive and expressive language deficits
• Language learning deficits
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Oral motor difficulties
• Social/pragmatic language deficits

2. It Reduces Frustration Among Students and Parents

Difficulty with speech can cause a child to experience feelings of anxiety, fear, and frustration. Parents, too, may feel discouraged when they can’t help a child voice their thoughts. Our SLPs work to set specific, attainable goals that encourage effective communication. As with all of our onsite therapies, JB believes it is essential for parents to play a critical role in their child’s speech-language development. Our therapists are in frequent contact with parents to reinforce goals and activities in the home.

3. It Makes Students More Independent

Improved communication can lay the foundation for a child’s independence both in and out of the classroom. It has been shown that early intervention is essential for a child’s growth during these crucial developmental years. Speech and Language Therapy aids children in their efforts to communicate thoughts and feelings and improves their comprehension and conversational skills. The tools students learn from our SLPs improve their quality of life, increase their level of independence, and allow them to grow and thrive alongside their peers.

4. It Develops Social Skills and Increases Self-esteem

Many children who struggle with speech and language development also have trouble developing appropriate social skills. It can be a challenge for them to understand social etiquette and the “unwritten” rules of social interactions. This can negatively impact self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. SLPs work with students to teach appropriate ways of communicating and to improve their confidence. SLPs teach children the skills needed to comprehend and communicate verbally and non-verbally.

5. It Helps with Behavior Management

When children struggle with communicating their thoughts and feelings, it can often lead to tantrums, meltdowns, and behavioral issues. SLPs teach students how to adequately express themselves, and pinpoint exactly what treatment is needed to improve a child’s communication skills. Learning how to effectively communicate can be life-changing for a child who struggles with speech and language delays. SLPs provide quality speech and language services that enable children to become functional and independent communicators within their school community and beyond.

At JB, our Intervention Specialists and therapists work together to help all students progress academically, socially, and behaviorally. Learn more about speech therapy and other therapies, here.

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