Speech Delay Therapy: 4 ways music can help speech

Music does much more than we think. Yes, it makes for adorable rhyme time, car rides and home videos of our toddler babbling what sounds like Pearl Jam.

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But it’s also a powerful form of communication that is so important for a child’s development.

Whether humming a tune or clapping along to a beat, music supports their ability to express themselves and even understand others.

If your child has delayed speech and language, they may have trouble finding the right words or putting those thoughts into words in the first place.

In that case, music might be just what you are looking for. Not only is it a great way to bond with your little one, but studies have shown that it can actually help improve their speech and language skills.

Understanding speech and language delays in a child

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While speech and language delays sound the same and are used interchangeably, they are a bit different. A child with speech delay may be hard to understand, while a child with language delay may have difficulty understanding spoken language or forming words and sentences.

A speech or language delay is when a child lags behind their peers in developing language and communication skills. It’s important to recognise early signs of language delay, including limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, or trouble understanding others.

Speech and language delays can both affect a child’s communication skills and self-esteem, making everyday interactions more challenging as they grow. That’s why early intervention is key.

How is music therapy applied?

Applying music therapy to assist with speech delays involves a variety of creative and engaging techniques:

• Making music with instruments allows children to express themselves and stimulates speech development.
• Movement exercises to music can help integrate motor skills with language skills, enhancing overall communication.
• Repetitive music listening with headphones focuses on auditory processing, which is crucial for language acquisition.
• Incorporating music and imagery, songwriting, and combining music with other creative arts provides multisensory experiences that enrich speech-language therapy. 
• Additionally, rhythmic entrainment therapy uses the natural patterns of music to improve speech skills by aligning speech rhythms with musical rhythms, thereby aiding children in developing smoother and more natural speech patterns.

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4 ways music therapy helps speech and language delay

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Whether you’re singing along to their favourite tunes or using musical games and activities to engage their speech and communication, you might be surprised at just how effective music can be in helping your child find their voice.

1. Music boosts language skills

Research shows that music can assist in childhood speech development.

First up, it works wonders for phonemic awareness, aka the ability to tell the difference between “cat” and “bat” without the need for an interpreter.

Second, it strengthens their memory and recall skills and gives them a workout that makes recalling song lyrics easier than remembering their own name.

Third, it improves their ability to produce the sounds of language. Fourth, it helps them to practice the timing and rhythm of speech. Fifth, it increases their motivation to communicate.

(And even though, yes, we know you get it, we’re going to continue to list the benefits because there are so many!)

Sixth, it provides a context for using new words and phrases. Seventh, it helps them develop a love for language learning.

2. Music teaches communication

Singing songs is a fun way to help your child learn communication.

If your child is experiencing delays in their childhood speech and language development, singing together can be a fun and helpful way to support their progress. It encourages important communication skills that will serve them well as they grow and interact with others, but it can also boost their confidence levels.

When children hear themselves singing and using their voice, it can help build their self-esteem and make them feel more comfortable expressing themselves. So, the next time you and your little one are singing your hearts out, remember that you’re not only having a good time, but also supporting their development and setting them up for success.

3. Music can improve rhythm

While your child may not transform into Mozart overnight, introducing rhythm through music can be a game-changer for speech delay.

By feeling the beat and moving to the music, children gain better control over their bodies. To encourage their speech and language development, singing, dancing or even just listening to music together is a great place to start. There are many different benefits of incorporating music into your day. It also increases focus and memory skills in children.

4. Improve auditory skills

One way music can help your child’s speech is by improving their auditory skills. When children listen to music, they are training their brains to better process sound. This can help them discriminate between different sounds, which is an important skill for learning to speak.

Music can be a powerful tool for improving your child’s memory and attention span, which are essential for healthy speech and language development. Whether you’re playing a favourite song in the car or at home, incorporating music into your child’s routine can help them stay focused and engaged with their activities. So, next time you need to help your child concentrate on a task, try turning on some music and watch their attention soar!

Another benefit of music is that it stimulates many areas of a child’s brain, including those that control hearing and speech. 

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The challenges of using music for speech delay therapy

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Music therapy is a valuable tool for speech delays – if you have the patience of a saint and the schedule of a time traveller.

The therapy requires a considerable time investment from both the child and the parent. It’s not just a weekly “Let’s sing some songs and magically cure speech delays” kind of deal. Nope, parents get homework too! Because for effective results, parents need to incorporate learned music techniques at home and in the community, which can be a lot.

Music therapy isn’t an instant solution; it supports a child’s development gradually, building a foundation for necessary speech and language skills. Some kids may progress slower than others (such is life) which can be frustrating for parents wanting a quick fix. The path to visible changes can be slow and requires patience, consistent therapy, and ongoing adjustments based on the child’s response.

The cost of private music therapy sessions can also be a barrier, as many health insurance plans don’t cover these services, or only offer limited coverage as an out-of-network benefit.

So check with your insurance provider! Fingers crossed you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

How long until you get results?

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If only there was one answer to this type of question (there rarely is).

Like all things with our kids, the timeframe for seeing results from music therapy can vary widely among children with speech delays.

Some may notice improvements in speech sounds and the ability to form words or two-word sentences within a few weeks or months, but it might also take longer. Not all kids respond at the same pace.

Preschool children, especially those with conditions like cerebral palsy or hearing loss, might need a longer period and more intensive language therapy to see substantial progress.

If your child has speech or language delays

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Any parent who suspects their child has speech and language delay should talk to a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The speech-language pathologist (SLP) will assess your child’s speech and language abilities. They’ll run standardised tests and evaluate whether your child is hitting key milestones in their speech and language development.

You can also check out some of the resources below:

• Speech Pathology Australia: The national body for speech pathologists, Speech Pathology Australia, offers a range of resources, including a “Find a Speech Pathologist” service and informative guides on supporting speech development.
• SpeechEase: SpeechEase is a Queensland-based speech pathology service offering teletherapy options for families across Australia.
• Banterspeech: Banterspeech was developed by Australian speech pathologist David Kinnane and offers free resources, tips, and advice on speech therapy for kids.
• Apps: Little Learners Love Literacy and Sound Scouts

Frequently asked questions

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1. What are the first signs of speech delay in children?

The first signs of speech delay in children can include a preference for gestures over vocalisations to communicate. By 18 months, a child may have trouble imitating sounds and understanding simple verbal requests. By the age of 2, if the child can only imitate speech or actions and does not produce words or phrases spontaneously, this might indicate a speech delay.

2. How effective is music therapy for speech delay?

Research shows that music therapy is highly effective for developing speech and language skills. The techniques and skills learned in music therapy can be transferred to real-world situations, enhancing a child’s ability to communicate and interact.

3. Can speech delay be a sign of other developmental issues?

A speech delay might be an indicator of broader developmental delays or conditions such as hearing loss, cerebral palsy, or an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s crucial to consult a speech-language pathologist for a comprehensive assessment if there are concerns beyond simple speech delays.

4. How often should a child attend speech therapy sessions?

The frequency of speech therapy sessions can vary based on the child’s needs, typically ranging from one to three times per week. For children with more severe or complex issues, daily sessions may be necessary. Each session usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

5. How can parents support speech development at home?

Parents can support speech development at home by engaging in interactive games like playing “house,” where roles are reversed, and discussing various objects and scenarios. Watching movies and discussing the content can also help children learn to form words and phrases.

Sources

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Maria Chiara Pino et al, The Association between Music and Language in Children: A State-of-the-Art Review, April 2023

Wibke Groß et al, Effects of music therapy in the treatment of children with delayed speech development – results of a pilot study, July 2010

Chatterbox Speech Pathology, 12 Benefits Of Music Therapy For Children, July 2023