by Suzie Chafin
If you suspect a http://multiples.about.com/cs/twinsinschool/a/aaspeechdelay.htm]delay in language development, contact your pediatrician. You can also pursue an evaluation on your own through a private speech therapist (verify coverag with your insurance carrier) or through your local Early Intervention Program or school district. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) ensures that every child is guaranteed to receive free and appropriate education, including speech and language therapy.
The Evaluation Process
Your pediatrician should refer your child to the proper agency for an evaluation. However, a pediatrician’s referral is not required. As a parent you have the right to request an evaluation.
If your child is under age 3 and you will not be utilizing a private speech therapist, you can contact your local Early Childhood Intervention program through your city or county Health Department. Check the blue pages in the phone book for a listing.
After you make the initial contact, an evaluation will be scheduled. Normally, this means a team of qualified people will come to your home for the assessment. In-home evaluations allow the children to interact in a familiar environment. The evaluations are normally play-based and are enjoyable.
For older multiples, the evaluation process will be arranged through the school district. After your child is referred for an assessment, an appointment will be made for an evaluation. The evaluation normally takes place in a play-based environment full of toys, puzzles, blocks, and other stimulants. Usually the parent stays in the room while a team of qualified persons interacts with the children, recording their verbalizations. A screening may be performed to determine if a hearing loss exists.
Receiving Therapy
If the results of the assessment indicate a problem, therapy can help overcome it. Children under age 3 will probably benefit by receiving therapy in the home during visits from a degreed speech pathologist. The frequency of therapy will depend on your child’s needs and requirements. Your therapist will provide hints and strategies for you to use at home to encourage and strengthen your multiples' language and speech skills.
Local school districts should provide therapy opportunities for children over 3. In most cases, a committee will determine the best course of therapy for each child, outlining the goals and objectives they would like to see the child accomplish. Programs vary and are based on need; some children may only require a weekly 30-minute session focusing on articulation. Others may qualify for preschool programs that emphasize speech and language development; these children attend 2 to 5 times a week for 2 to 3 hours per day.
Most speech therapy is play-based, encouraging them to talk about and build on subjects of interest. Therapy for older children focuses in large part on language development, increasing their vocabulary and word combinations, as well as speech (articulation skills). For example, at snack time a child must verbalize what she wants, rather than pointing or grunting, in order to receive the snack. Children are always encouraged to talk and provided many opportunities and stimulants to create conversation through toys, games, circle time, etc. If articulation problems exist the therapist will play games with the child to strengthen the tongue and lips so the child is able to form them correctly when speaking.
Whether your multiples are in an Early Intervention program, or receiving therapy through the school district, their development is measured by how well they meet goals and objectives. Once they show measurable progress and meet or exceed those goals and objectives, they will be exited out of the program.
Next: Ways To Enhance Your Twins' Speech Development
Suzie Chafin is a Dallas, Texas mom of four children, including identical twin boys. She writes and lectures about family topics such as postpartum depression, managing multiples and Christian parenting. She can be reached at suzie@novocoat.com.
