When your child struggles to communicate, it can be tough on everyone. Whether they have difficulty speaking clearly, putting words together, or following instructions, speech therapy offers hope and support. But to truly help your child thrive, it’s essential to build a strong relationship with their therapist — and that starts with asking the right questions for speech therapist.
By knowing which questions for speech therapist to ask, you’ll gain deeper insight into your child’s needs, progress, and potential. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most important questions to bring to each session, share helpful tips for partnering with your child’s therapist, and empower you to be an informed, confident advocate in your child’s communication journey.
Why Speech Therapy Matters in Early Childhood
Speech and language delays affect not only how a child talks but also how they learn, play, and form relationships. Early intervention gives your child the tools to connect with others, express their needs, and build confidence — laying a strong foundation for future learning and emotional development.
Speech therapy isn’t just about correcting sounds. It can improve vocabulary, sentence structure, social communication, and even nonverbal communication. That’s why understanding what your child needs — and how you can help — is essential.
Common Speech and Language Disorders in Children
Before diving into your questions, here are some of the most common speech and language issues that therapists treat:
- Articulation Disorder: Trouble pronouncing sounds (e.g., saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”).
- Phonological Disorder: Patterns of errors in sound use.
- Expressive Language Delay: Difficulty using words to express thoughts.
- Receptive Language Disorder: Trouble understanding what others are saying.
- Fluency Disorder: Interruptions in the flow of speech, such as stuttering.
- Apraxia of Speech: Motor planning problems that affect speech clarity.
- Social Communication Disorder: Challenges with using language in socially appropriate ways.
Understanding where your child falls among these categories can help guide therapy goals and methods.
Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy
Not all speech challenges are easy to spot, but early signs can make a big difference in your child’s development. This guide outlines key indicators that may suggest your child needs speech therapy—helping you take timely action and support their communication, confidence, and success in everyday interactions.
- Limited vocabulary for their age
- Difficulty combining words into sentences
- Trouble following simple instructions
- Frustration when trying to communicate
- Drooling, chewing issues, or unclear speech
- Lack of gestures or eye contact
- Stuttering or repetition of sounds/syllables
If you notice these signs, consult a pediatrician or speech therapist for a full evaluation.
15 Essential Questions For Speech Therapist
When it comes to supporting your child’s communication skills, asking the right questions is key. These 15 essential questions will help you better understand your child’s needs, therapy goals, and progress—so you can become an active partner in their speech development and ensure they get the support they deserve.
1. What type of speech or language issue does my child have?
This helps you understand whether the concern is related to sound production, grammar, vocabulary, or comprehension — or a combination.
2. How was my child’s speech issue diagnosed?
Clarify what tools were used: standardized tests, observation, parent interviews, or classroom assessments. Diagnosis sets the foundation for treatment.
3. What are the specific goals for my child’s therapy?
Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This makes progress easier to track.
4. How long will my child need therapy?
Some children need short-term intervention; others benefit from long-term support. Therapy timelines should be adjusted as your child progresses.
5. How frequently should therapy sessions occur?
Twice-weekly sessions are common, but some children may benefit from more or fewer sessions depending on severity.
6. What therapy methods or strategies will you use?
Popular approaches include:
- Play-based therapy for toddlers
- PROMPT therapy for motor speech disorders
- Visual aids or AAC devices for nonverbal children
- PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) for autism-related delays
Ask what methods fit your child best.
7. Will therapy address real-life situations?
Therapy should prepare your child to communicate in daily life, not just in a clinical setting. Ask if lessons are tied to activities like mealtime, play, or classroom routines.
8. How is therapy personalized to my child?
Each child learns differently. The therapist should adapt materials and pace to your child’s personality, energy level, and interests.
9. What can I do at home to support progress?
Simple, consistent routines at home reinforce what your child learns in therapy. Ask for a “home carryover” plan with weekly activities or practice words.
10. How will I know if therapy is working?
Progress can be measured through:
- Recorded sessions
- Before-and-after speech samples
- Therapy logs or graphs
- Milestone checklists
Ask for regular updates in writing or in person.
11. What if I don’t see improvement?
Speech development isn’t always linear. Plateaus happen. If you’re worried, discuss adjusting goals, methods, or adding support like OT (Occupational Therapy) or behavioral therapy.
12. How do you coordinate with other professionals?
If your child is in school or receives other services, coordination is essential. Ask if the therapist collaborates with teachers, daycare staff, or specialists.
13. What behaviors or signs should I watch for at home?
Your child may show frustration, behavioral regressions, or even breakthroughs between sessions. Share what you see at home — it can help refine therapy.
14. What’s the plan for transitioning out of therapy?
Some children graduate from therapy; others need maintenance. Ask how you’ll know when your child is ready to step down or stop sessions.
15. What if my child is nonverbal or minimally verbal?
Therapists should use tools like AAC, gestures, and sound imitation to support expression. Nonverbal doesn’t mean non-communicative — it just means finding other ways to connect.
Effective Communication with Your Child’s Speech Pathologist
Strong collaboration leads to better outcomes. Here’s how you can foster a great relationship with your child’s SLP:
Follow-Up Questions to Ask
- “Can I sit in on a session?”
- “What can we do this weekend to help?”
- “What frustrates my child during therapy?”
- “Is this behavior normal for their age?”
- “Do you recommend books, videos, or toys for language practice?”
Ways to Be a Supportive Partner
- Keep a therapy journal for home observations.
- Set short weekly goals (like mastering one sound or word).
- Encourage open-ended questions at home (e.g., “What did you build?” instead of “Did you build a tower?”).
- Celebrate every small win: a new word, clearer sentence, or even using a gesture meaningfully.
Checklist for Parents
Use this quick checklist during your first few sessions:
✅ I understand my child’s specific speech or language diagnosis.
✅ I know what therapy goals we’re working on.
✅ I have home practice strategies from the therapist.
✅ I receive regular progress updates.
✅ I’ve asked how therapy connects to daily life (e.g., at school, playtime).
✅ I feel comfortable asking follow-up questions.
✅ I know the signs to look for at home.
✅ I have a plan for transitioning out of therapy when ready.
✅ I’ve shared concerns or observations with the therapist.
✅ I’ve asked about additional resources if needed.
Real-Life Example: What Progress Looks Like
Let’s say your child has trouble saying the “s” sound and uses gestures instead of full sentences. After several weeks of therapy and at-home practice:
- They begin saying “sun” instead of “tun.”
- They combine two words like “want juice.”
- They show excitement during speech games at home.
Progress isn’t always fast — but it’s measurable and meaningful. Your involvement matters more than you think.
Conclusion: Your Questions Make a Difference
The more you understand about your child’s therapy, the more confident and empowered you’ll feel. Speech therapy isn’t just about talking — it’s about unlocking your child’s ability to connect, express, and thrive.
If you’re looking for expert speech therapy delivered right to your doorstep, Genezen Home Health Care is here to support your family. Our licensed speech-language pathologists create individualized plans that focus on what matters most — your child’s confidence, growth, and voice.
Connect with Genezen today to learn how our team can help your child reach their full potential — one word, one breakthrough at a time.
