Some children have trouble saying certain sounds or words, struggle with common daily tasks, or may not move around as well as other kids their age. If your child is showing signs like these, there is help.

Our Pediatric Therapy Center, a rehabilitation center for newborns to those up to 21-years-old, has a caring team that provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech & language therapy. They coordinate all treatments in one facility in Blackfoot, and work together to develop a program to help children regain or develop functional abilities to keep them independent.

Their occupational therapists help children to improve their strength, coordination, and the skills necessary for daily tasks, like feeding and utensil use, playing, and self-care. Their pediatric physical therapists evaluate and treat disorders that affect a child’s ability to move around, like crawling, rolling, and walking. Their pediatric physical therapy helps children improve their balance, flexibility, and strength.

A speech disorder is a problem with the actual creation of sounds, and a language disorder is a problem understanding or putting words together. Speech & language therapy provides treatments, support, and care for children who have difficulties with communication, hearing, or eating, drinking and swallowing.

A child may need to see a speech & language therapist if they show some of the following signs:

• Hard to understand, gets frustrated when trying to communicate, or has trouble with specific sounds (e.g., says “cake” for “take”).
• Repeats sounds (r-r-r-r-abbit), has long pauses in speech (e.g., I want <pause> food), demonstrates facial grimaces, or avoids of certain sounds.
• An unusual voice quality: nasal, hoarse, or uses improper pitch.
• Does not talk at all or talks very little (knows only 50 words by age 2).
• Does not use complete sentences by age 4.
• Cannot follow two step directions at age 3. (e.g., pick up the ball and bring it to mamma).
• Relies on gestures to communicate.
• Has limited or inappropriate vocabulary and/or poor concept development.
• Often asks questions/makes comments inappropriately.
• Does not make eye contact or play well with other children.
• Has difficulty following instructions or understanding assignments.
• Displays poor grammar for his/her age.

If you are worried that your child isn’t meeting some developmental milestones, please call Bingham Memorial Pediatric Therapy at 785-3893 to schedule a FREE initial consultation with a certified speech therapist.