"Self: Diagnosis ... Results gone wrong

Author : Mahasri Das

Published : 2024, January 1 (5 min read)

Just imagine … “Your child is just not speaking.” 😞

But you are just not able, or maybe even unwilling, to visit a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). But again, you do want your child to speak. What on earth can you do?

What do some modern-day parents end up doing? Across all my interactions, I have noted an ever-rising reliance on the internet to get answers to questions like, “Can my child speak?" and “How can I tell my child to speak?” But what are the chances that these internet-based answers are going to hold true for your child?

Whenever you type your queries on the net, its important to understand that what the websites display as answers are often generalized in nature; often the result of research across a large number of people. So while you can get a rough idea of what it could be? It doesn’t mean you will for sure get an answer of what it is?

A COMPARISION: What it is? vs. What could be?

So what exactly is the difference between “Is?” and “Could"? 

COULD:

“Could is like a screener. It will give an answer to possibility of an issue being present.”

When we talk about could, it implies looking at multiple options. Each site will most likely have different answers to the same question. While the websites are not entirely incorrect, it is important to remember that they are giving answers that apply to a large population. The answers include statements that are constantly noted across multiple people. But they do not consider an answer customized just for you. It can give you a warning of an issue being present, but not a final confirmation

Could?: Multiple possibilities

Let's take a simple question: “Language stimulation for kids.” While the net gives a generalized overview of common tips and tricks, some important elements you need to know are missing. Which words do you think are more important for your child? (e.g., Is give? important or is it take?) Do you really have the materials the activities suggest?

IS?

“Is denotes finality. It doesn’t just involve confirmation (presence or absence) but also the details applicable.”

The term “Is” denotes a highly specific, singular answer. Each skill’s presence or absence noted in your child is collected together, analyzed, and a customized answer given. It confirms not only the presence of an issue but also delves into details related to the issue at hand But where do we get such an answer? A correct, customized answer in any field is obviously best given by a person who specializes in the field in question.

From a generalized “Could” to the specific “Is”

*So when we talk about “difficulty in language” or “difficulty in speech,” your customized answers can by default be given only by a Speech Language Therapist.*  

Imagine you ask the same question, “Language Stimulation for kids,” to your Speech Language therapist. What could you expect? You can very well expect the answers to revolve around words you consider important. The activities suggested will revolve around objects available at your house.

Final Thoughts

So while the internet can alert you to possibility of speech and language issues, do not forget to follow up with a consultation with a Speech-Language therapist for confirmation, and if applicable, attend follow-up sessions of the same.