Vocal hygiene refers to the practices that help keep your vocal cords healthy and function properly. Since vocal cords are sensitive and can be easily affected by misuse or overuse, good habits are essential.

A child with a speech sound disorder may have difficulty pronouncing words clearly but can still form sentences correctly. A child with a language disorder may pronounce words clearly but struggle to use them meaningfully.

‍For children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), their device is their voice. Just like we wouldn’t take away a speaking child’s ability to talk, we shouldn’t remove or limit a child’s access to their AAC system.

Many children naturally grow out of stuttering, and for those who need extra support, indirect treatment can be highly effective and is often a strategy used in speech therapy sessions for young children who stutter.

Reading with your child is one of the best ways to support their language development. In fact, research shows that reading aloud to your child from birth helps lay the foundation for strong communication skills.