What Does Speech Therapy Actually Do?

1. Improves Speech Sounds

Speech therapists help children say sounds correctly—so “wabbit” becomes “rabbit,” and “nake” becomes “snake.” This is called articulation.

Picky Eating

2. Builds Language Skills

Therapy helps kids understand and use words, sentences, and questions. It supports:

• Vocabulary growth

• Following directions

• Telling stories

• Asking and answering questions

This is called receptive and expressive language.

3. Supports Social Communication

Speech therapy teaches kids how to:

• Start and carry on conversations

• Use eye contact and body language

• Understand jokes, sarcasm, and emotions

This is called pragmatic or social language.

4. Helps with Fluency (Stuttering)

SLPs work with kids who repeat sounds, get stuck on words, or avoid speaking. Therapy teaches strategies to improve flow and reduce frustration.

5. Treats Motor Speech Disorders (Like Apraxia)

Therapists help the brain and mouth coordinate for clear speech, using repetition, sound drills, and visual cues.

6. Assists with Feeding and Swallowing

For some kids, speech therapy even supports eating—especially if they have trouble chewing, swallowing, or accepting different textures.

Who Might Need Speech Therapy?

• Children who are late talkers

• Kids with speech delays or unclear speech

• Children with autism, Down syndrome, apraxia, or hearing loss

• Kids struggling with language after a brain injury

• Anyone who’s frustrated because others can’t understand them

  
  
  
  

Bottom Line:

Speech therapy helps kids connect, express, and feel successful—at home, in school, and with friends. It’s about giving your child the tools to be heard and understood.