In today’s webisode, a pediatric speech pathologist explains ways to help a child with speech delays play well with others. She provides useful strategies to encourage communications and respect between the children. For speech game ideas read our blog “5 Board Games That Promote Speech-Language Skills”
- The right timing for a playdate
- How to introduce a speech delayed child to a regular child
- What signs to look out for as the playdate progresses
Video Transcription:
Announcer: From Chicago’s leading experts in pediatrics to a worldwide audience, this is Pediatric Therapy TV, where we provide experience and innovation to maximize your child’s potential. Now, your host, here’s
Robyn.
Robyn: Hello, and welcome to Pediatric Therapy TV. I’m your host, Robyn Ackerman, and I’m standing here today with Megan Grant, a Pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist. Megan, can you give our viewers some tips on how to maximize a play date with a child with delayed speech?
Megan: Sure. A play date for a child with delayed speech and language skills isn’t going to look that much different than that of a play date for a child with typically developing skills. However, there are some key
things to keep in mind. Make sure that you time it right. Make sure that the play date is scheduled after naptime and after mealtime, so that the kids are well rested, their bellies are fully and they are ready to play and interact with each other.
Also you want to make sure to keep it brief. Sometimes, 45 minutes to an hour is only what the kids will tolerate in the beginning, so don’t worry that the play date should be three or four hours at a time. You definitely need to make sure that you keep it short, especially in the beginning. Kids
will work up that way. Also, introduce a friend who’s familiar to your child. That’s definitely going to be a key as well. Someone who is from music class or from school is going to be more accustomed to interacting
with your child, and your child is likely going to be able to interact with them much better than if you introduce someone who is entirely new to them.
When you do have a child who has delayed speech and language, you can pre-teach the other child and say, “You know, Billy’s still learning how to talk.” And let them know that that’s OK. Sometimes, kids are very
receptive and they pick up very easily on the nuances of other children, so that’s definitely going to help as well. Keep in mind that you are going to have to provide models, more so than with kids who are typically
developing. Kids who have delayed speech and language aren’t necessarily going to initiate and maintain play as easily, so you’re going to have to jump in there and let them resolve some conflicts, but definitely give them
the support that they’re going to need. And just have fun. Watch for signs of frustration. If your child starts to break down, you definitely want to jump in there and you can feel free to end the play date sooner than later.
Robyn: All right. Well, thank you so much, Megan, and thank you to our viewers. And remember, keep on blossoming.
Announcer: This has been Pediatric Therapy TV, where we bring peace of mind to your family with the best in educational programming. To subscribe to our broadcast, read our blogs, or learn more, visit our website at
learnmore.me. That’s learnmore.me.
