Speech Therapist Near Me for Kids with Tracheostomy
Tracheostomy: What is it and what is it for?
A tracheostomy is a hole in the windpipe that is surgically done. This involves creating a small opening in the person’s neck and inserting a tube, secured with ribbons around the neck. It is a procedure that aims to facilitate breathing from opening the windpipe in cases of trauma, respiratory conditions, various physical impairments, and surgery. Any speech-language pathologist you encounter by searching for “speech therapist near me” may explain that although lifesaving, for kids, it can have a negative effect on their speech and language development.
How it Affects a Child’s Speech and Language Development
The goal of tracheostomy is to open the airway and facilitate breathing. This comes first while issues in talking can be addressed later. As it allows breathing without using the nose or mouth, it also blocks natural airflow from reaching the vocal cords. Hence, sound can be difficult, or even impossible. For some children, it leads to being unable to cry or babble, especially during infancy. In others, they can be excessively quiet, especially within the initial months of growth. As a result, specialists from looking for a “speech therapist near me” explain, this silence may negatively impact their development in communication.
Delays in Speech and Language
Failure to make sound, especially in crucial times of development, has more than just an impact on the voice, according to a speech therapist near me. It holds up the way children learn to talk and make sense of language. This is because in most cases, speech is achieved through listening and imitating the voice. Therefore, learning becomes slow when children are unable to hear their voices. Hence resulting in talking late, having fewer words, or missing milestones. It can also influence the way they construct sentences or seek help. For others, they can have difficulties in expressing feelings or following instructions. These communication gaps may increase without the proper support in place.
Other Challenges to Consider
The tracheostomy itself is not the only issue that results in speech delay. An expert from looking for a “speech therapist near me” shares that tracheostomy can also lead to social and physical challenges for children.
Social Isolation
In the inability to speak, along with having the device itself, the child might not participate in play. Thereby restricting their opportunities of learning from other children. Further along, this also leads to isolation from group activities and developing a feeling of neglect.
Eating and Oral Muscle Issues
Having the tube in place also hinders eating. This oral movement and muscle strength may be restricted by tracheostomies. Coincidentally, these are the same muscles that facilitate chewing, speech sounds, and swallowing. Additionally, less usage of the mouth involves fewer chances of practicing their mouth coordination. Hence further complicating the process of clear speech or words.
The Role of a Speech Therapist near me
Speech and language therapists are essential in helping with the development of communication skills. They assess how each child communicates, spoken or non-verbal. This includes gestures, sounds, and the use of any tools. The speech therapist “near me” that you found may recommend sign language or picture boards. They can also introduce speaking valves when medically safe, that can redirect airflow over the vocal cords again. Hence, it enables the child to produce sound while still breathing safely.
Moreover, therapists also support families by teaching safe tool use. They provide and train parents and caregivers to facilitate exercises to build muscles and improve communication. All these therapy sessions are custom planned to meet each child’s specific needs and developmental stage.
Early Support Matters
Children with tracheostomies can thrive with early help, says a speech therapist “near me.” And the earlier that the speech therapy started leads to better long-term results. This is because it encourages speech development and boosts social confidence.
Here at Speech Link, we offer accurate assessment and fully customized treatment plans. We understand and believe that with strong support, children even with medical devices such as tracheostomy, can connect, express, and grow. They can gain the skills needed to communicate in their own way so make sure to start building those foundations as early as possible with us.