The Importance of Silence in Speech Therapy

Why is being quiet when working or playing with a child *so difficult?*

Because as parents, teachers and clinicians, we want to help them, guide them, and feel useful!

Even though it can be challenging, silence has a very important place within speech therapy. For instance, silence:

• provides the child with time to process language that has been modelled,
• decreases auditory input (which can lead to better regulation for some children),
• allows time for the child to generate some thoughts and ideas to share,
• reduces prompt dependency, and
• provides time for initiation of communication and sharing of their actual thoughts

If you're finding it difficult to sit back and be one with the silence, Meaningful Speech suggests the following:

• Use this time to observe.
• Practice playing.
• Make notes regarding interests, listen for quieter gestalts or intonation that sounds familiar, and enjoy just *being* with your child.

"A greater connection will build as the child will note that their gestalt play and language aren't being interrupted, but honoured. They will realize their language isn't being ignored, stifled, rushed, or judged."

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by Halle Demchuk, SLP

Paediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP