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Empowering Parents: How to Advocate for Your Child's Speech and Language Needs

Danika Miles

Updated: Jul 5, 2024

Parenthood is a journey filled with joys, challenges, and countless opportunities for growth. One of the most important roles parents play is advocating for their child's needs, especially when it comes to speech and language development. In this blog post, we'll delve into practical strategies for empowering parents to advocate effectively for their child's speech and language needs, fostering a supportive environment for communication growth and success.



parents with children on Ipad during telehealth therapy


  1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about speech and language development, common communication disorders, and available intervention options (be sure you're using reputable sources so that you're not misinformed). Understanding the basics will enable you to make informed decisions and effectively communicate with healthcare professionals.

  2. Observe and Document: Pay close attention to your child's communication abilities and any concerns you may have. Keep a journal documenting specific examples of speech and language difficulties, including the contexts in which they occur and any changes over time. This information will be valuable when discussing your concerns with professionals.

  3. Communicate Openly: Don't hesitate to initiate conversations about your child's speech and language development with their pediatrician, teachers, and other relevant professionals. Be clear and concise in expressing your observations, concerns, and goals for your child. Open communication lays the foundation for effective collaboration and support.

  4. Request Evaluations: If you suspect that your child may have a speech or language disorder, advocate for a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified speech-language pathologist. Requesting an evaluation demonstrates your commitment to addressing your child's needs and ensures they receive appropriate support and intervention. Keep in mind, that state funded agencies for early intervention (ex., Regional Centers, TEIS, etc.), school districts, and private practices conduct different types of evaluations and have varying eligibility criteria. Your child may qualify through one program and not another.

  5. Participate in the Process: Be an active participant in your child's therapy journey. Attend therapy sessions whenever possible, observe your child's progress, and communicate regularly with their speech-language pathologist. Ask questions, seek clarification, and provide valuable insights about your child's strengths, challenges, and preferences.

  6. Collaborate with Professionals: Forge strong partnerships with healthcare professionals, educators, and therapists involved in your child's care. Collaborate with them to develop personalized intervention plans tailored to your child's unique needs and goals. Advocate for access to necessary services, accommodations, and resources to support your child's communication development.

  7. Empower Your Child: Empower your child to advocate for themselves as they grow older and become more aware of their communication challenges. Teach them self-advocacy skills, such as expressing their needs, asking for help when needed, and advocating for accommodations or support in academic and social settings.

  8. Stay Informed and Engaged: Stay informed about your child's progress, therapy goals, and recommended strategies for supporting their communication development at home. Engage in ongoing learning and seek out relevant resources, workshops, and support groups for parents of children with speech and language disorders.

Advocating for your child's speech and language needs is a journey that requires dedication, persistence, and empowerment. By educating yourself, communicating openly, and collaborating with professionals, you can ensure that your child receives the support and resources they need to thrive. At Jackson Jade Therapy, we're here to partner with you every step of the way in advocating for your child's communication success. Together, we can make a positive difference in your child's life.

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