Why would my child need a speech pathologist and how music + movement fits into the equation.

Ever find yourself wondering whether your kiddo should be talking more? Talking differently? Or just... talking in general? Speech and language development is so different between kiddos that sometimes it can be hard to figure out what's normal and what might need a bit of a nudge.

One of the first things to check when speech seems delayed is your child’s hearing — even mild hearing loss can affect how kids learn to talk. If you're not sure where to start,this guide breaks it all down with what to look for and where to go for a hearing test.

Assuming you’ve checked hearing and all is well, that’s when a speech pathologist comes in.

What does Speech Pathologistdo?

A speech pathologist aids children with communication in all respects:  speaking, understanding, listening, interacting and even early eating skills.   You'd be surprised at how numerous areas fall under the speech patholigist heading.   When we're talking about kiddos this would include:

• language for understanding (for example, understanding directions)
• language for expression (using sentences and words)
• articulation or clarity of speech (being readily understood by other people)
• social communication (conversational exchange, eye gaze, turn taking)
• play interactions and skills
• early feeding and oral motor planning

In essence, a speech pathologist lays the groundwork for strong communication, which is key for social, emotional and cognitive development.

How do I know if my child needs help?

There isn’t a checklist that fits every child, but here are a few signs that might indicate it’s time to take a closer look:

• using fewer words than usual for their age
• struggling to convey their needs
• being upset when trying to communicate
• speech that is difficult for others to interpret
• avoiding eye contact 
• stating the same phrases and sentences repeatedly without flexibility to change

Sometimes, it's not about a dramatic delay or ticking off a list of milestones. Often, it's just that quiet feeling that something isn't quite right. And if you have that feeling, it's always wise to check it out—either to rule out any concerns or to address potential issues early on.

How is speech and language related to music and movement?

Music and language processing use overlapping neural networks—listening to and creating music primes the brain for language development.  It’s like giving your child a double workout for their brain, preparing them to process words and meaning even before they speak.  This idea is at the heart of what we explore in our music and movement classes at Busy Bees. By integrating rhythm, melody, and playful movement, we create an environment where the foundations for language are naturally nurtured.

Music-inspired movement lessonsoverlapand enrichcommunication in so many ways:

• rhythms helps with timing and sentence building
• call and response games promote listening and turn-taking
• action songs connect movement to verbal directions
• group interactions build social understanding and self-confidence
• repetition (hello favourite tunes) build meaning and memory
• sensory-rich play supports brain-body pathways that underpin speech

Busy Bees classes, along with other enriching activities like playgroups, storytime programs and parent-child programs, provide body-aware, language-rich environments in which to nurture speech and communication.

What if music and other activities aren't enough to bridge the gap?

Sometimes, with lots of song, story and bonding, children may still need a bit of a helping hand.  Music is a great starting point,but it can never be a replacement for one on one therapy if that is required.  If you're noticing ongoing trouble with communication or interaction, a speech pathologist can also look beneath the surface, assess what's actually going on, and create a specialized plan to assist your child in addressing his or her individual needs.

Who do you recommend?

If you're not certain whether or not your child would benefit from seeing a speech pathologist, you don't need to wait for a referral.  A brief consultation can clarify things or reassure you, and accessing support early on often makes a huge difference down the line.

And if you'd like someone friendly, experienced, and strongly dedicated to child-led, floor-based interaction - Dorothy Debono from Smithfield Speech Pathology is my speech pathologist of choice.  Dorothy is also a Floortime specialist, so her work allows for connection first, which is just the way we work here at Busy Bees.  🐝