6 Ways Physical Therapy Can Treat Language Disorders In Children
How Many Language Disorders Can Children Have?
There are many different types of language disorders out there. Some common ones include auditory language processing disorder, expressive language disorders, receptive language disorders, social communication deficits, and word retrieval deficits. As you may have guessed from the names of these language disorders, they are all unique. Some have to do with memory while others have to do with comprehension of language. The ones that are most likely to be the target of physical therapy are the ones that have to do with expression. Expression requires the coordination of the physical mechanisms of speech which means that it may benefit greatly from the correct physical therapy exercises.
Can Physical Therapy Help All Language Disorders?
If the language disorder in question features physical problems then physical therapy exercises very well may be able to help. If the obstacles are not at least partially caused by some physical difficulty then there is a good chance that physical therapy would not be the recommended treatment. It all depends on the language disorder and the child.
In What Ways Can Physical Therapy Help?
The physical therapy exercises listed below and many others can be used to develop the muscles used in speech. They can simultaneously be used to help a child to learn to coordinate the use of these muscles so that they may all work together as they must for communication through language. The ability to move the tongue skillfully and the ability to produce a steady stream of air from the mouth are both examples of abilities that can be developed through physical therapy exercises.
Aren’t These Exercises Too Simple To Help?
These exercises may look simple at first glance but they require strength and coordination of oral mechanisms. More complex exercises may be introduced as necessary to continue the progression of a child’s physical language skills but these basic exercises are often quite effective in teaching a child to control the muscles involved in speech as well as the breath. These exercises are deceptively simple but can often work wonders as part of a professional physical therapy plan.
6 Physical Therapy Exercises That Can Help Treat Language Disorders
1. Blowing bubbles
2. Using a kazoo
3. Using a straw
4. Tongue press
5. Isometric jaw exercises
6. Chewing rubber tools
These are 6 ways physical therapy can treat language disorders in children. Physical therapy has its limitations as not all language disorders will necessarily benefit from it, but those that can often benefit greatly. Some children have to practice skills that come naturally to other children but achieving a certain level of mastery of language skills makes it all worth it.
T.H. Rheinecker is passionate about blogging about how to become a physical therapist assistant.