May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
May Is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month: Why It Matters More Than Ever
Communication is how we connect, express, and thrive.
This May, during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we’re shining a light on the life-changing work of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and the impact of specialized care for children navigating challenges in AAC, feeding, executive functioning, articulation, and early language development.
Whether your child uses a communication device, struggles with speech clarity, has trouble with mealtimes, or is learning to express their first words, this is the perfect time to explore how early, evidence-based intervention can change everything.
What Is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?
Established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), this month-long awareness campaign promotes understanding of communication and swallowing disorders and celebrates the essential work of SLPs and audiologists nationwide.
Why This Month Is Important for Families
Did you know:
- 1 in 12 children in the U.S. has a speech, language, voice, or swallowing disorder (Black et al., 2015)?
- Early speech and language therapy leads to better academic, social, and functional outcomes (Roberts & Kaiser, 2011).
- Many children with speech or feeding concerns also face co-occurring needs in areas like executive functioning and emotional regulation.
This month is a reminder that communication is foundational—and help is available.
Our Specialized Areas of Support
🧠 Executive Functioning Support
Executive functioning skills—like emotional control, task initiation, and flexible thinking—play a key role in school success and daily life. For children with ADHD, autism, or developmental delays, targeted therapy can boost independence, problem-solving, and organization.
📚 Research shows these skills are teachable—and early support makes a difference (Best et al., 2011).
🍽️ Feeding Therapy
Feeding challenges go beyond picky eating. Our feeding therapy addresses oral motor coordination, sensory processing, and mealtime anxiety using responsive, child-centered approaches.
📚 Responsive feeding leads to improved food variety and reduced mealtime stress(Silverman et al., 2020).
🗣️ AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
Every child deserves a way to communicate. AAC tools (from picture boards to speech-generating devices) empower children with complex communication needs to express themselves.
📚 AAC use supports language development and social-emotional well-being—it does not hinder speech (Millar et al., 2006).
👄 Articulation & Motor Speech Therapy
Does your child struggle to pronounce sounds clearly or become hard to understand? Articulation therapy targets specific speech sound errors (like lisps or difficulty with /r/), while motor speech therapy supports children with conditions like Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
📚 Studies show that structured, individualized intervention leads to significant improvements in intelligibility and functional communication (Strand et al., 2006).
🗨️ Early Language Development
The toddler and preschool years are critical for building language foundations. We support children who are late talkers, have difficulty combining words, or show signs of language delay.
📚 Parent-implemented language interventions are highly effective in improving vocabulary and sentence structure (Roberts & Kaiser, 2011).
How You Can Celebrate This Month
✅ Celebrate Small Wins – Every new sound, word, or bite is a big deal!
✅ Learn and Share – Spread awareness about the importance of early identification and support.
✅ Connect With a Specialist – If you have concerns, trust your instincts. Early help is powerful.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Communication Journey?
At Expansion Speech Therapy we believe that together, we can expand your child’s communication, feeding, and play skills with a little help from us and a lot of love and support.
We specialize in personalized therapy for AAC users, early language learners, children with motor speech challenges, feeding difficulties, and executive functioning needs.
🎉 Schedule a free consultation to see how we can support your child’s growth.
📞 Call us at 445-236-0134 or 📅 book online at Expansion Speech Therapy
References
- Benoit, D., Wang, E. E., & Zlotkin, S. H. (2001). Disorders of feeding and eating. Pediatrics in Review, 22(4), 111–117.
- Best, J. R., Miller, P. H., & Naglieri, J. A. (2011). Relations between executive function and academic achievement from ages 5 to 17. Developmental Psychology, 47(3), 870–877.
- Black, L. I., Vahratian, A., & Hoffman, H. J. (2015). Communication disorders and use of intervention services among children aged 3–17 years. NCHS Data Brief, (205), 1–8.
- Drager, K. D., Light, J. C., & McNaughton, D. B. (2010). Effects of AAC interventions on communication and language for young children with complex communication needs. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, 3(4), 303–310.
- Millar, D. C., Light, J. C., & Schlosser, R. W. (2006). The impact of AAC on natural speech development: A meta-analysis. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49(2), 248–264.
- Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The effectiveness of parent-implemented language interventions: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180–199.
- Silverman, A. H., Tarbell, S., & Rosen, R. (2020). Feeding and swallowing disorders in infancy and childhood. Pediatric Clinics, 67(2), 215–234.
- Strand, E. A., Stoeckel, R., & Baas, B. (2006). Treatment of severe childhood apraxia of speech: A treatment efficacy study. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 14(4), 297–307.
