Language development in children

Speech therapy can play an important role in children’s language development. Sometimes language development does not get off to a good start, such as when a child starts talking late. In other cases, a child may experience problems with language later in life, such as difficulty clearly conveying what he or she means. These problems can also carry over into education, where children often fail in subjects such as reading comprehension.

What is a language development disorder (TOS)?

Sometimes there is more to it and may be a language development disorder (TOS) . TOS is a specific disorder that affects language development and can lead to challenges in both vocabulary and making correct sentences. Language is broader than just speaking; it includes both understanding language (language comprehension) and being able to articulate thoughts on one’s own (language production). Children with TOS often require speech therapy support to develop these skills.

Speech therapy for language

Speech therapy treatments can focus on different aspects of language, such as making good sentences or learning new words. This applies not only to children who are in the midst of language development, but also to adults who are dealing with aphasia, for example, after a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) , such as a brain hemorrhage. This involves both speech and comprehension.

Language and learning to read and spell

An important part of language is phonology, or sound learning. This forms the basis for learning to read and spell. Problems with phonology can lead to challenges in learning these skills, which requires extra attention during treatment.

Roosters parent course

In addition to individual speech therapy, Silderhuis Speech Therapy offers the Hanen parent course online twice a year.(Click here for more information ) This course is intended for parents of young children in the Mijdrecht, Uithoorn and Woerden region. The purpose of the course is to support parents in stimulating the language development of their children.

Learn more about language development

Language is a broad term and includes both language comprehension and language production. For more information about children’s language development, visit the website: www.kindentaal.nl . You will also find more information on how to encourage language development through speech therapy.

The SNEL test for language development

To gain insight into your child’s language development and to assess whether speech therapy is needed, I refer you to the SNEL test. This test consists of 14 questions that will help you determine if your child’s language development is progressing as expected. Based on the answers, you can see if there are possible signs that require further attention or speech therapy support.

Learn more about the SNEL test