This is
a tricky question to answer, and I am biased to say that if you have
concerns, it is best to at least have a phone call or consult with a
therapist to see whether they recommend an evaluation. Communication and eating
concerns can have a great impact on the life of your loved one, so I
would rather be safe than sorry. And remember, going in for an
evaluation doesn't automatically mean the therapist will recommend
Speech Therapy. Speech Therapists are trained to use best practice
to determine whether your concerns are best addressed by Speech
Therapy or if it is best to refer to a tutor, a doctor, another
specialist, etc.
The
following list is not comprehensive, but it does address some common concerns treated by Speech Therapists.
For
loved ones of all ages:
~If
your loved one has had a brain injury, concussion, or a stroke. Even
if their speech seems fine, a speech therapist can help with
cognitive communication disorders, memory strategies, or swallowing
difficulties (whether the patient is aware of any such difficulties
or not).
~If
your loved one has suffered from aspiration pneumonia or has trouble
swallowing.
~If
your loved one has been diagnosed with a syndrome or developmental
difference that affects their communication (e.g. Down syndrome,
Autism Spectrum, Fragile X, Angelman Syndrome, Williams
Syndrome, etc.).
~If
your loved one experiences laryngitis due to vocal abuse or has a
persistently hoarse or strangled sounding voice.
~If
your loved one stutters to the point of impeding their ability to get
out a sentence, and/or if your loved one is very anxious about their
stuttering.
~If
your loved one is experiencing greater memory loss than in their
younger years and it is beginning to affect daily life.
~If your loved one has sustained a concussion or brain injury.
Specifically
for children:
~If
your child is having difficulty expressing themselves in the same way
as their peers. For example, if your child isn't meeting typical
speech and language milestones, if they have difficulty with age
appropriate sounds, if they struggle to answer questions that their
peers easily answer.
~If
your child is failing at school due to difficulty understanding
material presented to them in their language(s). (Note that a true language disorder will involve difficulties in *all* of a child's languages; if the child only demonstrates difficulty in one language but demonstrates no difficulty in other language(s), tutoring is more appropriate than speech therapy. A speech therapist typically doesn't "teach" a new language, but instead helps a child to develop skills in the language(s) they are exposed to.)
~If
your child demonstrates difficulty with social language use, often
(but not always) secondary to an Autism Spectrum diagnosis.
~If
your child has extremely restrictive eating habits (such as refusing
to eat an entire food group or type of food texture), gags or vomits
at the table, is not gaining weight appropriately, or demonstrates
extreme fear of eating. These are often indications that your
child's oral-motor and/or oral sensory system may not be developing
typically, even if they can speak well. It is also important
to see a nutritionist to assist in safe and appropriate growth.
***NOTE:
Speech Therapists do NOT treat eating disorders. If you suspect
that your loved one may suffer from anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or another
eating disorder, please consult a psychologist who specializes in
treatment of eating disorders.***
