Involving Siblings in Speech Therapy - A Social Approach to Supporting Children with Communication Difficulties
Ms. Veronica Montanaro is a Lead speech & language pathologist at TAASC, with extensive experience in supporting children with communication difficulties. She holds an MSc in Language and Communication Impairments from the University of Sheffield and is trained in a variety of specialised therapies, including SOS Feeding, ADOS, and PECS. She is currently doing her PhD with the Centre of Disability Studies at the University of Leeds. Veronica is dedicated to helping children improve their communication skills and reach their full potential.
Introduction
When a child has a communication disorder, the impact is often felt by the entire family, including siblings. Siblings can play a crucial role in the therapy process, not just as family members, but as active participants in fostering communication and social development. Involving siblings in speech therapy can enhance the therapeutic experience for the child with a disorder, strengthen family bonds, and empower siblings by giving them a meaningful role in their brother’s or sister’s development. Here’s how we can integrate siblings into the speech therapy process from a social model perspective.
Understanding the Social Model of Disability
The social model of disability shifts the focus from what a person cannot do, to how society and the environment can be adjusted to accommodate and support them. This model encourages inclusion and participation in all aspects of life, highlighting the importance of community and family in supporting individuals with disabilities.
When we apply the social model to speech therapy, we aim to create an environment where children with communication disorders can thrive, not just through direct therapy but through everyday interactions with those closest to them—particularly their siblings.
Why Siblings Matter in Speech Therapy
Siblings often share a unique bond that can significantly influence a child’s development. They are playmates, role models, and sometimes the first peers a child interacts with regularly. This natural connection makes siblings ideal partners in speech therapy. Here’s why involving siblings is so beneficial:
Natural Communication Partners: Siblings are often more relaxed and playful with each other than with adults. This natural communication can lead to more spontaneous speech practice and reinforcement of therapy goals.
Motivation and Encouragement: A sibling’s encouragement and enthusiasm can be a powerful motivator for a child with a communication disorder. Their presence can make therapy activities more enjoyable and less clinical.
Social Learning: Children learn a great deal by observing and imitating their siblings. When siblings model appropriate speech and language behaviours, they provide a powerful example for the child to follow.
How to Involve Siblings in Speech Therapy
Involving siblings in speech therapy doesn’t mean placing the responsibility of therapy on them. Instead, it’s about integrating therapeutic goals into the family’s natural interactions and everyday routines. Here are some ways to involve siblings effectively:
1. Include Siblings in Therapy Sessions
Observation and Participation: Invite siblings to observe therapy sessions when appropriate. Seeing how therapy works can demystify the process and show them how they can help at home. Depending on their age and interest, siblings can also participate in certain activities during sessions, making it a fun and inclusive experience.
Sibling-Centered Activities: Design activities that encourage sibling interaction. For example, games that involve turn-taking, asking questions, or storytelling can be adapted to include both the child with a disorder and their sibling. This reinforces speech goals in a playful, social context.
2. Encourage Everyday Interaction
Incorporate Speech Goals into Play: Guide siblings on how to incorporate speech therapy goals into their playtime. For instance, if the therapy focuses on practicing specific sounds, suggest games where these sounds naturally occur. The key is to make it fun and engaging for both children.
Role-Playing: Encourage siblings to engage in role-playing games that require communication. Whether it’s playing “house,” “school,” or any other scenario, these interactions can provide valuable practice in a natural setting.
3. Empower Siblings with Knowledge
Education: Teach siblings about the communication disorder and the specific challenges their brother or sister faces. Understanding the situation can foster empathy and patience, helping them to be more supportive and understanding.
Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue about the challenges and successes of speech therapy. Allow siblings to express their feelings and concerns, and involve them in problem-solving when appropriate.
4. Create a Supportive Home Environment
Make it stand out
Family Involvement: Make speech therapy a family affair by setting aside time for family activities that support communication. This could be as simple as family dinners where everyone takes turns sharing about their day, or more structured activities like family game nights that involve communication-based games.
Positive Reinforcement: Encourage siblings to praise and reinforce their brother or sister’s efforts in communication. This positive reinforcement can boost the child’s confidence and motivation.
Benefits for Siblings
Involving siblings in speech therapy not only supports the child with the disorder but also has positive effects on the siblings themselves:
By being involved in the therapy process, siblings often develop a deeper understanding and empathy for their brother or sister’s challenges, fostering a more supportive relationship.
Participating in therapy-related activities can strengthen the bond between siblings, creating shared experiences that are both meaningful and fun.
Siblings also develop communication and social skills through their involvement in therapy, which can benefit them in their own social interactions and development.
Conclusion
Siblings play a crucial role in creating a supportive, communication-friendly environment that extends beyond the therapy room and into everyday life. By involving siblings, we not only enhance the therapeutic experience for the child with a communication disorder but also strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of shared responsibility and support.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, consider how you can involve siblings in the therapy process in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for everyone. Remember, therapy doesn’t just happen during sessions—it happens in the moments of connection and play that siblings share every day.
