Progress in Therapy

Progress in speech therapy isn’t always linear. Instead, it is very typical for progress to happen in a wave-like pattern with bursts and slumps along the way. This spiral pattern of progress is typical as the brain integrates new patterns of communication and behavior. Although it may seem like your child isn’t always making steady progress, it is important to remember that small gains often come before big leaps and sometimes progress is being made even when we cannot see it. 

Why Progress is Not Linear

• Plateaus - children commonly experience plateaus in therapy. A plateau is a common, temporary phase of slowed or stalled progress in therapy. This may indicate the need for a break in therapy, new technique/strategies, resetting goals or increased intensity.  

• Regression (developmental & environmental) - children may have periods of regression in therapy, or temporary loss of previously mastered skills, due to developmental factors (i.e. learning to walk or cognitive leaps) that cause a shift in their cognitive focus. Additionally, environmental factors such as increased emotional stress, illness, ear infections, or changes in routine (i.e. starting school) may also cause periods of regression.

  
  

• Invisible progress - Invisible progress or “hidden learning” is often happening in therapy, even though we cannot always see it reflected in goals/objectives. This type of progress often occurs in certain social emotional skill areas that are important for making bigger communication and language gains later on. Examples include a child building rapport and connection with a therapist, learning to self-regulate during a session, increased engagement and participation, and/or increased self-awareness or self-correction of skills. 

How to Support Progress

As a parent and/or caregiver, you can help support your child in therapy by doing the following: 

• Remain Consistent - remain consistent with attending your therapy sessions as much as possible. The more routine and consistent you can be with therapy, the better. 

• Celebrate “Small Wins” - actively recognize and celebrate small wins in therapy to keep your child motivated and positive. You can even keep a “Wins Log” to refer to, if needed. 

• Active Engagement outside of Sessions - it is so important to engage your child in speech-language learning outside of the therapy room. Practice the skills that he/she is working on at home, school, daycare, etc. This will help them carryover their new skills faster and communicate more successfully in all areas of their life, not just the therapy room. 

• Communicate Openly - speak with your therapist about what is or isn’t working for your child/family, any concerns you may have, your comfort level, and any difficulties you are experiencing in therapy or at home. 

  
  

I hope you enjoyed this blog post!

-Lexie Starnes, MA CCC-SLP