Introduction
Here is some information to help you understand how your child makes progress in therapy.
Progress in therapy usually does not take the form of a straight line upwards.
Typically, progress is in ‘steps’, more like a ‘stair-case’ going up. There will be periods of more visibleprogress, some periods at a new level of achievement, followed by more progress.
Bear in mind that there may be definite improvements that are not so noticeable to you.
If you look only at the hour hand of a clock, it would be difficult to tell immediately whether the clock is working.
If you look at the minute hand, it is more likely you might actually see some movement. Of course, if you looked at the second hand, it would be the easiest way to tell that the clock is working.
In a similar way, if you knew what to watch for, it may be easier to see your child’s progress.
Your child’s speech and language therapist will share her observations with you. You will also find yourself becoming more observant as you accompany your child on the path of therapy.
Being more observant is important because your enthusiasm for these little steps will ensure that your child continues improving (1 second is small, yet 60 seconds make 1 minute; 60 minutes make 1 hour).
Occasionally, some periods of ‘plateau’ – where progress is ‘flat’, is perfectly normal before the next milestone is reached.
Children need this period to practise and consolidate their skills so they can be ready for the next stage.
Sometimes children need more than just repetitions to be ready for the next stage.
They may need to improve their capacity to learn.
They may need more feedback about their performance. (When a new driver first learns to park, they need poles so they can use as reference.)
Using mirrors, tape recorders can help.
Conclusion
Whether a child is going through a phase of significant progress or a ‘plateau’, it is important that both parents and therapist work together to understand why and make the most of the situation. This will ensure a continuous improvement.
Please feel free to browse around our website to check out our programs or other Speech therapy related information.
Our Contributor
The author, Ms Magan Chen brings with her more than 24 years of speech and language therapy experience in both private hospital and enrichment centre settings. This gives us exceptional understanding of our clients’ medical and/or school needs.
She has helped more than 1500 individuals to overcome their communication or learning difficulties.
Ms. Magan Chen trained in London, U.K. (M.Sc. Human Communication) and Sydney, Australia (B. App. Sc. in Speech Pathology).
Magan is a registered Certified Practising Speech Language Pathologist (CPSP) with the Speech Pathology Australia.
She is also the founding President and a registered member of Speech-Language and Hearing Association Singapore (SHAS, the professional body representing Speech Language Therapists in Singapore.
Magan has been interviewed and featured in various newspapers and magazines such as Young Parents Magazine, The Straits Times & The New Paper.
Together with Magan, our team of competent and caring speech language therapists and teachers help hundreds of individuals improve their ability to communicate and have more say in life.
If you would like to see a highly experienced speech language therapist / pathologist for an initial consultation, please call us at (65) 6223-7876.