A Journey of Speech Therapy and Home Training

Case Study: Helping a Young Child Find His Voice

Watching a child struggle with language can be tough for any parent, but with early support and guidance, these challenges can be overcome. Language delays can make it hard for children to understand and use words, which can affect their ability to connect with others. In this case study, we share the story of a young boy and his journey with speech therapy and home training, which helped him take big steps forward in communication.

Meet Our Little Hero

Our young hero, a 2½-year-old boy, came to Jeevaniyam Ayurveda Hospital with his family, who were concerned that he wasn’t speaking much. He used sounds and gestures to communicate, but words weren’t coming easily for him. Despite these struggles, his family was hopeful and ready to support him however they could.

A Little Background

This boy was born healthy with no family history of language issues. His mother had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but it was managed well. While his motor skills developed normally, he started showing signs of language delay as he grew. Seeing this, his parents decided to seek help early on.

The First Step: Assessment

In November 2023, we carried out an initial assessment to understand the boy’s language abilities. We found that he could understand and express words like a baby around 10-11 months old, far below his actual age. He mainly used sounds and gestures to get attention, and while he recognized familiar faces, he struggled with naming things or following simple directions.

A Path to Progress

For the next six months, our young hero attended speech therapy every day for 45 minutes. After each session, his mother learned how to practice these skills at home. She worked with him on simple words using a picture book we created together, filled with familiar objects like animals, fruits, and colors.

Some of the goals included:

• Building his understanding of words and encouraging him to use new words
• Teaching him to follow simple directions
• Helping him put 2-3 words together to form sentences
• Practicing basic questions like “What’s this?” and “Who is this?”

The Transformation

After six months of daily practice, his progress was incredible! By May 2024, our little hero’s understanding and use of language had grown to match that of a 2- to 2½-year-old child.

Here’s what he could do:
He learned to name many everyday objects like fruits, animals, clothes, colors, and toys.
He began following simple directions, like “Put the toy on the table,” without much help.
He could answer simple questions and even use 2-3 word sentences to ask for what he wanted.
He understood common words and phrases, helping him connect better with his family and caregivers.

A Story of Hope

This story shows how early intervention and family support can make a big difference for children with language delays. Our young hero’s journey reminds us that with time, patience, and the right support, children can overcome these challenges. At Jeevaniyam Ayurveda Hospital, we’re here to help each child reach their potential, step by step, word by word.