Debunking 10 Common Speech Therapy Myths

We cover a lot of bases as speech language pathologists, especially through online practice. The role of an SLP is not only to provide quality therapy to clients, but to educate the public.  Here are some of the most common comments I get as an SLP.

1.  Speech therapy is just for talking

False

Did you know that speech therapy covers a wide-array of issues from swallowing and feeding to cognitive rehabilitation?  Speech therapy isn’t just speech therapy.  Yes, we can help with that r sound and that lisp, but we also work on language, early childhood development, interpersonal skills, and safely eating from infant to adult. 

We also help with voice disorders and accent modification that may be affecting a person’s communication or with aural rehabilitation associated with hearing loss. 

Speech-language pathologists are trained not only to work with stuttering and lisps, but help diagnose and treat swallowing disorders, participate in crucial traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, and even help people with communication anxiety related to public speaking or interpersonal communication.  

In my practice, one of my favorite aspects of my job is guiding people to find their own voice through gender-affirming voice care.  I can even help you prepare for that big presentation you have to give to investors or help you get over your nerves when in social situations.

2.  Online speech therapy requires expensive equipment

False

As long as you have access to an internet connection, typically via wifi, any device will work.  While having a computer or tablet is ideal, therapy can even be conducted via a cell phone.  As long as both the therapist and client can see and hear each other, then a therapy session can occur. 

3.  Speech therapy is more effective in person

False

The most important factor in successful speech therapy isn’t being in the same room physically, it is about following through with what is learned in the session.  A speech language pathologist doesn’t need to be next to a client in order to provide quality care and instruction.  Teletherapy enables clients to eliminate travel time, feel comfortable in their own space and to be able to participate wherever and whenever best fits their schedule.  It reduces the stress of having to travel to appointments and gives clients the opportunity to participate even if living in a remote area that does not typically allow access to qualified therapists. 

4.  Online speech therapy doesn’t work for toddlers

False

We don’t expect a toddler to sit in front of a screen for 30 minutes unless it is their favorite episode of Paw Patrol.  And we definitely don’t expect a toddler to do their speech homework by themselves between sessions.  Early speech and language development requires caregivers to get involved no matter what format it takes.  SLPs are only with you for a short time and the most important work happens outside of sessions.  What we do expect is for families to try out the techniques we introduce during sessions and to let us know if it worked. 

Online speech therapy is an opportunity for caregivers to work with a trained professional who will guide them through the evidence-based methods we employ to elicit speech and language.  And instead of the SLP hearing those new words during a session, it is the parents and siblings who are there to guide their little ones to use their words which makes those achievements even sweeter!

5.  Speech therapy is just for children

False

As mentioned above, we provide critical language and feeding therapy for adults post traumatic brain injuries such as strokes or accidental injury.  And we also provide therapy for those with less medically critical concerns. 

For many adults, they’ve never received any training on public speaking or how to communicate in a professional setting. Some adults just don’t like the sound of their own voice and want to work on pitch or volume.  Some need help in developing strategies to maintain a healthy voice throughout their lifetime.  And believe it or not, some adults just want to get rid of that lisp they’ve had since childhood.  You’re never too old to work on something and if it is important to you, then an SLP is trained to help with a range of issues whether it be great or small.

6.  Teaching a baby sign language will stunt their language growth

False

If anything, teaching a baby sign language in conjunction with the verbal model of a sign promotes language development.  No one wants to see a frustrated baby or toddler.  Incorporating simple signs and gestures enables a little one to express their wants and needs more easily than putting together the motor planning required for words.  Using the sign for “more” is a lot easier for a child who hasn’t even said “mama” yet.  As a child’s imitation of sounds and words increases, these gestures typically are faded out as they become unnecessary.  Wouldn’t you rather your child gesture “all done” than throw the rest of their food onto the floor?   

7.  All children outgrow their speech or language delay

False

The years of 0-3 are critical years in the development of language.  While some children might be considered “late bloomers” and begin to use their words at their own pace, why wait and see?  Delays in speech and language may indicate a larger cognitive or developmental issue that has not yet been diagnosed or indicate an underlying issue that can be difficult to detect at an early age such as hearing loss.  For instance, a child may be able to hear sounds, but can they hear the speech sounds necessary to decipher language such as a voiceless consonant like /s/?  And even if a child is just not yet expressing themselves verbally, why not help them to do so?  Language delay can lead to difficulty socializing with peers, participating in school, or literacy.  Providing support can only help with all of these crucial skills later on down the road.

8.  Speech therapy is just playing on the floor with toddlers

False

Yes, early speech and language therapy is typically play-based.  But that is precisely how kids learn.  Through play.  How many new words can be learned just rolling a ball back and forth with a child?  Go, roll, ball, my turn, your turn, fast, slow, stop are just a few words that can be used in that one activity.  Learning for a toddler should be fun.  Not only for the child but for the parent.  Guided, structured play helps a child to learn the rules of language such as taking turns, sharing, and joint attention, but is a great way to elicit new words.  All of these fundamental skills are taught in the simple game of playing ball!

9.  Children can’t be tested for language concerns until they’re in school

False

As I mentioned earlier, early intervention can only help a child in their development of speech and language.  Yes, it is true that some sounds are developed much later in childhood.  However, communication starts at birth.  Using standardized tests, SLPs are able to evaluate these critical developmental milestones.  Waiting until a child is in school may affect their ability to bond with their family or peers in a new setting.  If a child is frustrated and having difficulty communicating, why wait until there are more complex communication demands such as school?

10.  Learning two languages at once causes speech delay 

False

What might appear to be a speech delay is simply a child having to switch between two languages which can sometimes appear as a language delay.  If you’ve ever tried to learn a new language, then you’ve probably had to do the mental gymnastics of switching from language to language before even speaking.  We call this “code mixing”.  For a child who is just learning how to communicate, this process is slower than an adult who has already established the rules of their original language. So while it may appear that a child is delayed, they may just be trying to figure out which word is appropriate for the circumstance.  And eventually this code mixing will become seamless.  And how cool is it to be able to use two languages with ease?! 

Maybe you have something you'd like to change about your voice? Want to learn how to better communicate with your toddler? Or maybe you want to prep for a round of interviews? I'm here to help! Drop me a line and set up a free consultation today!

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