Speech Therapy Navigator

20/11/2025

🌼 Does Bilingualism Cause Speech Delay? Let’s Clear the Confusion!

Many parents worry that introducing two languages — especially Sinhala and English — can cause speech delay in children. This is one of the most common myths I hear.

🌟 1. Bilingualism Does Not Cause Speech Delay

Children around the world successfully grow up speaking two or more languages.
Research consistently shows that bilingual children reach major milestones — first words, combining words, simple sentences — within the normal age range, just like monolingual children.

👉 If a child has a delay, it is because of an underlying condition, not because they hear two languages.

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🌟 2. Sometimes Bilingual Children Look “Slower” — But They Are NOT Delayed

Bilingual vocabulary is often divided between the two languages.
A child may know:
• Some words in Sinhala
• Some words in English

When you combine both languages, their total vocabulary is perfectly normal.

This is called normal bilingual variation, not a delay.

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🌟 3. What Can Cause a Delay?

A delay can happen when a child receives:
• Low interaction
• Limited conversation
• Excessive screen time
• Less play-based communication

This can affect monolingual, bilingual, and multilingual children equally.

👉 The problem is not the number of languages —
the problem is the quality of interaction.

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🌟 4. What If the Child Already Has a Condition?

Conditions such as:
• Developmental delay
• Autism
• Hearing loss
• Language disorder
• Down syndrome
• Childhood apraxia of speech

…can cause speech delays.

BUT introducing two languages does not make these delays worse.

Children with delays can still become beautiful bilingual speakers with the right support.

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🌟 5. Sinhala–English Homes: What Does Research Say?

Although there is little research specifically on Sinhala–English bilingual toddlers, current studies show:
• Sinhala and English have different sound patterns
• Using English norms to judge Sinhala-speaking children can cause confusion
• Sinhala-English code-switching is natural and healthy

And importantly:
👉 But there is no evidence that growing up Sinhala-English causes speech delay.

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🌟 6. Can Some Bilingual Kids Develop Certain Skills a Bit Later? Yes — and That’s Normal.

Because their exposure is split between two languages, some bilingual children may take a little longer to:
• Build strong vocabulary in one language
• Form longer sentences
• Sort out grammar differences

This is completely normal and does not indicate a disorder.

They catch up beautifully as long as they receive rich, daily interaction.

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🌟 7. What Helps Bilingual Children Thrive?

✔ Talk to your child throughout the day
✔ Use play, singing, books, and routines
✔ Keep your home language (Sinhala or Tamil) strong
✔ Allow natural code-switching
✔ Reduce background screen time
✔ Encourage conversations, not just commands

Children learn best from a warm, responsive adult, not from limiting languages.

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🌼 Remember

Your child can absolutely grow up bilingual or multilingual without any harm to their speech development.
What matters most is connection, conversation, and consistency, not the number of languages.

(Chathurika D. Sumanasiri)

13/08/2025

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially started offering Online Speech and Language Therapy services! 🎤💬✨

Whether you’re looking for support with communication, voice, speech clarity, or language development – I’m here to help, now more accessible than ever, from the comfort of your own home.

🖥️ Therapy via secure video sessions
📅 Easy online booking
📍 Accessible anywhere – no travel needed!

👉 Book your appointment now through the Speech Therapy Navigator page!
🔗 [https://www.facebook.com/share/19cTjriGgm/?mibextid=wwXIfr]

Thank you for your continued support. Please feel free to share this with anyone who may benefit from speech and language support 💙

Welcome to Speech Therapy Navigator

05/08/2025

🎤 Teachers, Your Voice Matters! 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

Did you know that teachers are one of the most at-risk groups for voice problems? 😮 Talking all day, raising your voice over noise, and not getting enough vocal rest can lead to strain, hoarseness, or even voice loss over time.

But here’s the good news 👉 Speech and Language Therapy for Voice can help!

✨ What can it do for you?
✅ Improve your vocal strength and clarity
✅ Teach healthy voice habits
✅ Reduce strain and fatigue
✅ Help you speak confidently all day long!

💡 Learn simple breathing techniques, posture tips, and vocal care routines from a qualified speech-language therapist – tailored just for professionals like you.

🗣️ Your voice is your power in the classroom. Let’s protect it together!
If you’ve been feeling tired, hoarse, or strained after work – it might be time to give your voice some professional care.

📩 Message us to learn more or book a voice wellness session!

10/06/2025

How Games Help Kids Improve Communication Skills and Language Development???

Games are more than just a source of fun for children—they are powerful tools that support learning and personal growth. One of the most valuable benefits of games, both traditional and modern, is their ability to boost communication skills and language development in children.

When kids play games, they naturally engage in conversations with peers, family members, or teachers. Whether they are explaining the rules, asking questions, negotiating turns, or expressing their ideas, children are constantly practicing how to use language in meaningful ways. This builds confidence in speaking and improves their ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Many games encourage storytelling, description, and discussion. For example, in a board game where players act out words or describe objects, children must think carefully about how to express themselves so others can understand. This strengthens vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure in a fun and pressure-free environment.

Games also teach important elements of communication, such as listening, turn-taking, and understanding body language. In multiplayer games, children learn to listen actively to others, respond appropriately, and work as a team—skills that are essential in everyday interactions.

Language-rich games like word puzzles, storytelling games, and strategy-based activities such as chess or role-playing games challenge children to use language to solve problems and express strategies. These experiences help develop not just communication skills but also critical thinking and social understanding.

In summary, games provide a rich, interactive setting where children can learn how to express themselves, understand others, and build confidence in using language. By combining fun with learning, games play a vital role in a child’s communication and language development.
(Chathurika D. Sumanasiri)

10/03/2025

Is it Important to Monitor Developmental Milestones in Children….

The answer is YES. Tracking developmental milestones is vital for monitoring a child’s growth and identifying potential delays early. Parents play a key role by observing and documenting milestones such as first steps, words, or social behaviors. They can use tools like milestone checklists (e.g., CHDR book - Sri Lanka), apps (e.g., CDC’s Milestone Tracker), or printable worksheets to track progress visually and interactively. These resources also provide tips for supporting development and reminders for screenings or appointments. Sharing milestone records with healthcare professionals improves communication and ensures tailored support for the child’s need.

…Chathurika D. Sumanasiri….

27/02/2025

MORAL DEVELOPMENT….

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s moral values, which guide them in making ethical decisions and developing strong character. Teaching honesty, kindness, respect, and responsibility helps children build a solid foundation for social and emotional growth. However, using harsh discipline, such as hitting or emotionally putting them down, is not an effective way to instill morals. Instead, positive approaches like open conversations, guidance, and proper reinforcement work best. When parents talk with their children, explain the reasons behind right and wrong, and reinforce good behavior with encouragement, children are more likely to understand and internalize moral values. A strong moral upbringing not only helps children navigate challenges but also contributes to a more compassionate and responsible society.

Chathurika D. Sumanasiri

24/02/2025

PDA vs ODD vs ASD

19/02/2025

“Listening is Just the Beginning: Why Speech Therapy Matters After Hearing Aids/Cochlear Implants”

Proper speech and language therapy is crucial after addressing hearing issues with hearing aids or cochlear implants because these devices provide access to sound but do not automatically ensure comprehension or effective communication. Therapy helps individuals, especially children, develop the ability to detect, imitate, and understand spoken language by building listening and speaking skills.

For CHILDREN, ‘early intervention’ is vital as hearing loss can delay speech and language development, which impacts social, academic, and future occupational success.

Speech therapy also supports parents in fostering communication skills at home, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Regular therapy ensures long-term improvements in language abilities and helps individuals fully integrate their new auditory experiences into meaningful communication.
(Chathurika D. Sumanasiri)

16/02/2025

Here are some effective activities for enhancing children’s language development:

• Storytelling and Reading: Reading books and creating stories together introduce new vocabulary and encourage communication. Linking stories to real-life experiences can further engage children.

• Word Games and Role-Playing: Games like Scrabble, Pictionary, or role-playing scenarios help build vocabulary and communication skills while sparking creativity.

• Songs, Rhymes, and Tongue Twisters: These activities enhance phonological awareness, listening skills, and pronunciation through rhythm and repetition.

• Interactive Conversations: Narrating daily activities, asking open-ended questions, and expanding on children’s responses help develop sentence structure and vocabulary.

• Creative Arts: Drama, dance, and role-play encourage imaginative use of language and social interaction.

These activities not only improve language skills but also foster confidence and cognitive growth.

15/02/2025

—-Stuttering—-

Stuttering is a common speech disfluency that affects many children.

📌It’s characterized by repetitions, prolongations, or blocks in speech. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it’s often linked to genetics and neurological factors rather than psychological issues.

📌Early intervention with a speech-language pathologist can be very effective in helping children manage their stutter and improve their communication skills.

📌Patience, understanding, and a supportive environment are key to helping a child who stutters feel confident and comfortable speaking.

15/02/2025

—- BUILDING BLOCKS ——
Build Your Words, Brick by Brick! 🧱 Speech therapy can be fun! Use building blocks to create structures and tell stories about them. Describe the colors, sizes, and shapes. Follow instructions to build specific things. Great for practicing vocabulary, following directions, and sparking conversation!