Myth or Fact: About Speech Therapy!

Are you confused by all the conflicting advice about speech therapy?

You're not alone! There’s a lot of misinformation out there, so let's clear things up. Below, we drop into some common statements about speech therapy and separate the myths from the facts.

Ready to unearth the truth? Let’s go!

Speech therapy takes a long time to show results.

Myth: As some cases do require ongoing therapy, many children show improvement relatively quickly, especially with consistent practice at home. Parenting Science: Duration of Speech Therapy 

Children under three are too young to begin speech therapy; you should wait until they start school.

Myth: Early intervention is key! Speech therapy can start as early as 18 months, or even earlier in some cases. Language Delay – Why Starting Early is So Important | Blog (totalcommunication.com.sg)

Children should be able to use at least 50 words before 2 years of age.

Fact: By the age of 2, most children should indeed be using around 50 words and starting to combine them into simple sentences. Mayo Clinic: Language Development

Stuttering will go away in preschool-age children without treatment.

Myth: Stuttering may persist and even worsen without proper intervention. Early treatment can support your child develop smoother speech patterns and reduce the emotional impact of stuttering. Stuttering Foundation: Help for Parents

Speech therapy is just for kids who can’t pronounce words correctly.

Myth: Speech therapy covers a wide range of issues, including language development, social communication, fluency (like stuttering), and even cognitive-communication skills. ASHA: What is Speech Therapy?

Late-talking children ALWAYS catch up to other children their own age.

Myth: While some late-talkers do catch up, many children need early intervention to safeguard they don’t fall behind. Delaying support can lead to more significant language and learning issues down the road. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Late Talkers

Children who have speech/language delays before school are at greater risk of experiencing difficulties learning to read.

Fact: Early speech and language delays can indeed make learning to read more challenging. Speech therapy can help address these delays early on, giving your child a better foundation for literacy skills. School Readiness Program - Singapore | Total Communication

Only a speech-language pathologist can help change my child's speech and language skills.

Myth: While SLPs are the experts, parents play a key role too! Consistent practice at home, guided by the SLP’s recommendations, is essential for progress. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): Speech and Language Development

You need a doctor’s referral to see a Speech Pathologist.

Myth: While some insurance plans or medical systems may require a referral, you can often consult an SLP directly.

Speech therapists in Singapore must be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) to practice

Fact: In Singapore, it is a legal requirement for all practising speech therapists to be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC). This registration ascertains that therapists meet professional standards and are qualified to provide safe and effective care. AHPC | Lists of Recognised Qualifications (healthprofessionals.gov.sg)

Got more questions?

Curious about how speech therapy could support your child with their speech and communication difficulties?

Schedule a complimentary call with our speech-language pathologist. They’re here to help, and early intervention can make all the difference!

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To Connect with Speech-language Therapists

Call/WhatsApp: +65 9115 8895

E-mail: enquiries@totalcommunication.com.sg

Or Fill out our reach-out form: Contact Total Communication Therapy Center

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