Is it difficult for family members, friends and teachers to understand what your child is saying? Does your child become upset when he/she has to repeat him or herself over and over?
The process of developing speech typically occurs naturally. When it does not occur naturally, Anderson Speech Therapy works with you and your child to determine where the breakdown is occurring and creates a plan to address those needs.
Questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Anderson Speech Therapy wants to provide you with as much information as we can within our scope of practice. Further, we recognize your dedication to playing a key role in your child’s development and success.
What is Speech?
Speech refers to the sounds that come out of our mouth and take shape in the form of words,”(Hamaguchi, 1995).
This is not an easy process!
It starts with a thought. The brain must want to communicate with someone else.
The brain sends the idea to the mouth by telling the mouth which words to say and which sounds to sequence together to make up that word. It must also send signals to the muscles that control the tongue, lips, and jaw.
It is a physical process:
The muscles must have the strength and coordination to carry out the brain’s commands. The lungs must be strong enough to control sufficient amounts of air while forcing the vocal cords to vibrate. The air must be going out, not in, for functional speech to occur. The vocal cords must be in good condition in order for one’s speech to sound clear and loud enough to hear.
