Myths & Truths:
- MYTH:
No need to worry. Just wait. Your child will grow out of the speech or language problem.
- FACT:
It is best to be on the safe side and ask for professional help, although some children do grow out of communication problems. You can’t afford to take the chance of waiting, in case there is a problem.
- MYTH:
Speech-language pathologists teach only speech sounds.
- FACT:
These specialists see children for a wide range of communication difficulties, such as delayed talking, stuttering, voice problems, expressive language difficulties.
- MYTH:
A bright child would not have a speech or language problem.
- FACT:
Any child, regardless of intellectual ability, can have a speech and/or language problem.
- MYTH:
Thumb or finger sucking is not a problem because it calms and comforts my child.
- FACT:
Thumb or finger sucking is calming and comforting for a child. However after 2 years of age, it may be delaying the development of the tongue which may have a significant impact on speech and on your child’s permanent dentition.
