This advice-column-style blog for SLPs was authored by Pam Marshalla from 2006 to 2015, the archives of which can be explored here. Use the extensive keywords list found in the right-hand column (on mobile: at the bottom of the page) to browse specific topics, or use the search feature to locate specific words or phrases throughout the entire blog.
Maturation as a Therapy Strategy
By Pam Marshalla
Q: Do you think that physical maturation alone can be all that a particular client may need to help his speech improve?
Yes, clearly some children outgrow their speech problems. But the only way to know this is to let time pass without therapy. I sometimes recommend that a child go 6-12 months with no therapy to see what happens. I make sure the parents know that I am doing this and why. Often the parents and I alone, or the parents and I with the child make this decision together. Some kids just need a break for a while, and some kids you really don’t know if time will take care of his issues. This is a “non-answer” that I hope will help you think through this issue for the client you have in mind.