Preparing your child for life after speech therapy

Katie Carr, CF-SLP

The journey through speech therapy is a rewarding one, filled with growth, progress, and accomplishments. But as your child reaches their speech and language goals, it's essential to prepare them for the transition out of therapy. This transition marks an exciting milestone, but it also brings new challenges and opportunities. In this blog post, we'll explore how parents can help their child navigate this important phase and continue to flourish in their communication skills.

Once a child reaches all their speech and language goals, it may be time to “graduate” from speech therapy.

1. Celebrate Achievements

Before diving into the transition process, take time to celebrate your child's accomplishments. Reflect on the goals they've achieved and the progress they've made. Create a special moment to acknowledge their hard work, whether it's with a small party, a heartfelt letter, or a fun outing. This celebration will boost your child's confidence and motivate them for the journey ahead.

2. Open and Honest Communication

Effective communication is key in preparing your child for the transition. Talk to them openly about the changes that lie ahead. Explain that they've done an amazing job in therapy and that their therapist believes they're ready to move on. Reassure them that it's a positive step forward and that you'll continue to support their communication development.

3. Maintain Consistency

While your child may no longer have scheduled therapy sessions, consistency is vital for continued success. Encourage consistent speech and language practice at home. Create a daily or weekly routine that includes language-rich activities like reading, storytelling, and engaging in conversations. Consistency will help reinforce the skills they've learned.

Continue incorporating language-rich activities, like reading.

4. Set New Goals

Transitioning out of speech therapy doesn't mean the end of progress. Work with your child to set new communication goals. These goals could be related to expanding vocabulary, improving pronunciation, or enhancing social communication skills. Make sure the goals are age-appropriate and realistic, and involve your child in the goal-setting process to empower them.

5. Foster Self-Advocacy

Teach your child to advocate for themselves when it comes to their communication needs. Encourage them to express when they need extra support or assistance. This skill will become increasingly important as they navigate different social and educational environments.

6. Stay Connected

Maintaining a connection with your child's speech therapist can be beneficial during the transition. When available, arrange for periodic check-ins or follow-up sessions to monitor progress and address any emerging challenges. These sessions can also serve as a safety net if your child needs additional support.

You can stay connected with your speech therapist via email or the clinic’s social media.

7. Encourage Peer Interactions

Support your child in building and maintaining friendships. Encourage them to engage in conversations and activities with peers, both inside and outside of school. Positive social interactions can reinforce their communication skills and boost their confidence.

8. Embrace Self-Confidence

Remind your child that they are capable and have the tools they need to succeed. Encourage a positive mindset and remind them that everyone continues to learn and grow throughout life. Celebrate their uniqueness and emphasize the strengths they bring to every interaction.

Transitioning out of speech therapy is a significant achievement for both your child and your family. With open communication, ongoing support, and a positive outlook, your child can thrive in their communication skills and confidently navigate the world around them. Embrace this milestone as a new chapter in their development, full of exciting opportunities for growth and success.