Chronic Asthma: Effects on Speech Development and How Speech Therapy Bolton Can Help
Understanding the Connection
Asthma is having difficulty in breathing arising from the narrowing of the airways. As the airway gets constricted, swollen and produces mucus that contributes to the condition, a child is observed to have wheezing, coughing, and shortness. In some cases, this becomes too frequent for some children, hence affecting their speech development. This is because speaking with restricted airways requires more effort thereby limiting the practice of talking that children need to effectively develop this skill. Experts in speech therapy, Bolton, explains that overtime, this can impact fluency, voice quality, and even the child’s confidence.
Breathing and Speech Go Hand in Hand
Experts in speech therapy, Bolton, explains that speech relies on steady breath support. The lack of airflow presents a problem for young asthmatic children and makes it harder to maintain longer sentences or speak with a voice. Practice of speech during sessions of speech therapy, Bolton, may also be interrupted by breathlessness, especially during a group activity in school. It can push them into trying to avoid speaking exercises, eliminating valuable opportunities to develop language proficiency. In a recent study, the difficulty of breathing from asthma negatively impacts the mastering language skills as learners themselves report that the talking is challenging.
Common Speech and Voice Challenges
In chronic asthma, children will experience various challenges that lead to speech and language skills delay. This may include having a weak voice or reduced volume because of poor breath control. They may also have difficulty in maintaining a normal conversation due to coughing or catching breath. Lastly, children with asthma often present with strained voice or hoarseness due to inhaler use or airway irritation. These issues may influence classroom participation especially since speaking out and being able to contribute to discussions are part of everyday learning, according to experts in speech therapy, Bolton.
Emotional and Social Impact
Children with asthma may also affect the child’s self-confidence. This happens as they have difficulty in following the conversations can cause frustration or unwillingness to talk. Eventually, this can have an impact on friendship and social life. An expert in speech therapy, Bolton, explains that despite these, however, a positive atmosphere at home and in school can help promote the ease with which children use their voices.
The Role of Speech Therapy, Bolton
The speech and language therapists help children through working on breath control and voice quality. Once these are mastered, they can also build confidence that further helps develop their communication skills. Even basic exercises are effective in strengthening breathing exercises in speech therapy sessions. Therapists also collaborate with schools and families to develop strategies that can lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed from speaking activities. A good hack may be through summarizing the sentences into smaller bits or effectively using pauses in between.
Supporting Children at School
Aside from parents and caregivers, teachers can also be instrumental in helping kids with asthma develop their speech and language skills. Providing time to talk about activities and encouraging participation without pressure can help. Overall, being aware of when a child is getting better after an asthma episode is essential in order to know what activities are effective during a particular time. The bottom line is that children may still excel in their studies and communication with the aid of the right environment.
Move Forward Confidently with Speech Link
Chronic asthma, although challenging, is not something that can force a stop on your child’s speech and language development and social confidence. Having the right knowledge, encouragement and with effective speech therapy, Bolton, children are still capable of achieving good communication skills.
Here at Speech Link, we can work with you and your child in order to get through this. Our team of expert and experienced Speech and Language Pathologists are more than happy to assist. Start by scheduling your consultation and assessment today.