Bilingual speech therapy is an important practice to those who are able to use the service. Many children are now learning to speak more than one language from a young age. There are many benefits, as well as some difficulties, that can come along with this practice. Bilingual speech pathologists are able to pinpoint if those difficulties are simply the hurdles of learning to be bilingual at a young age, or if they are speech related issues.
We currently offer bilingual English-Spanish speech and language therapy at Medical Support Services. Our specially trained team members can evaluate and treat bilingual English-Spanish children.
Bilingualism myths
- Exposing children to more than one language early on can cause speech delays or delays in language development – not true!
- Children with language delays will be confused or further delayed if they are taught a second language – myth!
- Bilingual children will have trouble learning when they start school – false!
- Mixing languages is a sign that a child is confused or has trouble learning – nope!
Bilingualism facts – and benefits!
- Bilingualism does not cause language delays. All children are capable of learning more than one language! Bilingual children learn to detect the differences between the two languages they are learning.
- Even children with language delays or impairments are capable of learning a second language!
- There are many academic advantages to being bilingual including problem solving skills, multitasking, and cognitive flexibility!
- Mixing language is totally normal! It can show that they have a good grasp of both languages!
Benefits of using bilingual speech therapy
- A strong foundation in a first language can help the child be successful in learning the second
- Maintaining a home language helps with family relationships
- Supporting both languages will have cognitive, academic, and career advantages
- The dominant language may change over time, so choosing one over the other may not make sense in the long run
- Bilingualism does not cause language delays; therefore, it will be just as effective to participate in speech therapy whether your child speaks one or two languages.
- Communication happens in many different ways for different people, and it important to be mindful of that no matter the differences
We offer bilingual speech services at Medical Support Services. Our team is specially trained to evaluate children who are bilingual and treat in both English and Spanish. Clinicians aid in speech development in both languages; as receiving therapy in a native language can help promote development in both languages. Connect with our speech therapy team to learn more about how they could benefit your child!