Does my Child Need Speech Therapy?
At New Hope Speech and Occupational Therapy in West Des Moines, speech therapy is anything but clinical. It’s playful, personalized, and deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to communicate with confidence.
Whether you’re wondering if your child is on track, or you’ve been thinking about extra support for a while, this guide will help you understand how speech therapy works—and how play leads the way to real progress.
Why Speech Therapy Is About More Than Just Speech
When people hear "speech therapy," they often think of helping kids pronounce words more clearly. But speech therapy actually supports a much broader set of skills, including:
Expressive language (talking)
Receptive language (understanding)
Listening and following directions
Social communication (like turn-taking and conversation)
Early literacy and pre-reading skills
Speech Therapist Allyssa Richards takes a whole-child approach to communication. Every session is individualized based on your child’s strengths, challenges, and learning style—no cookie-cutter plans here.
“We’re not just building words,” Allyssa says. “We’re building confidence, connection, and a foundation for lifelong communication.”
Our Play-Based Approach to Speech Therapy in West Des Moines
Kids learn best through play—and that’s exactly how we structure our therapy sessions. From pretending to cook in a play kitchen to racing toy cars or exploring the backyard, play creates meaningful moments for communication.
“Language is best learned in a natural environment,” Allyssa explains. “When a child is interested and engaged, that’s when real communication begins.”
Therapy is always child-led, which means whatever your child is excited about that day becomes the vehicle for learning. One session might involve running through the gym; another might be all about puzzles or building blocks. Either way, speech and language goals are seamlessly woven into the play.
What to Expect in a Typical Session
No two sessions are the same—because no two kids are the same.
Some kids thrive when they’re moving, others prefer quiet, hands-on activities. Allyssa adapts every session in real time based on the child’s mood, energy, and interests. The magic happens when kids don’t even realize they’re "working"—they’re just having fun.
“Therapy looks like play—on purpose,” Allyssa says. “It keeps kids engaged, motivated, and relaxed enough to try new things.”
When to Consider a Speech Therapy Evaluation
Every child develops at their own pace, but some signs might indicate that extra support could help. If you’re noticing any of the following, it may be time to consider a speech-language evaluation:
By 12 months: No babbling or gestures (like waving or pointing)
By 18 months: Fewer than 10 words
By 2 years: Not combining two words (like “more juice”)
By 3 years: Hard to understand or limited sentence use
At any age: Sudden loss of words or ongoing frustration when trying to communicate
“Parents usually know when something feels off,” Allyssa says. “Your gut is a good guide. If you're concerned, it's worth looking into.”
Easy Ways to Support Language Development at Home
You don’t need fancy tools or hours of extra time to boost your child’s language skills. Try these speech-therapist-approved tips—just a few minutes a day can make a big difference:
Narrate your routines: “We’re putting on your shoes—one foot, then the other!”
Get on their level: Eye-to-eye play makes connection stronger and more engaging.
Read with your child: Look at the pictures, ask what might happen next, or make up your own story.
Avoid pressure: Don’t ask too many questions or prompt your child to repeat you (“Say this”). Instead, model language naturally and let the conversation flow.
Be playful: Kids learn best when you’re silly, responsive, and relaxed.
Why Early Support Matters
Starting therapy early can lead to better outcomes—not just with language, but with emotional regulation, confidence, and relationships too. And while progress can feel slow at times, even small wins are worth celebrating.
“Every small step matters,” Allyssa reminds parents. “It’s not just about talking more—it’s about helping your child connect, express, and feel confident in who they are.”
The Heart of What We Do
For Allyssa, the best part of speech therapy is seeing the joy on a parent’s face when their child makes a breakthrough—no matter how big or small.
“I love giving parents hope for their child’s future,” she says. “Watching the transformation, seeing the child light up—it’s why I do what I do.”
