What Is Speech Therapy? A Play-Based Guide for Parents

Speech therapy helps children develop the skills they need to communicate in ways that are meaningful, functional, and empowering. Communication looks different for every child, and speech therapy is not just about talking clearly- it’s about connection, understanding, and being able to express needs, ideas, and emotions.

At Coastal Play & Progress, speech therapy is play-based, child-led, and neurodiversity-affirming, and designed to support communication in ways that feel natural and engaging.

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy supports a child’s communication across many areas, including:

• Understanding language (receptive language)

• Expressing thoughts, wants, and needs (expressive language)

• Producing speech sounds clearly

• Social communication and interaction

• Fluency (stuttering)

• Alternative ways of communicating, including AAC

  
  

Speech therapy is highly individualized. Sessions are tailored to each child’s strengths, interests, and communication style.

What Does Speech Therapy Treat?

Speech therapy can support children with:

• Speech sound disorders

• Language delays

• Stuttering

• Autism-related communication differences

• Gestalt language processing

• Developmental disabilities

• Children who benefit from AAC or alternative communication methods

  
  

Rather than focusing on “fixing” a child, therapy focuses on supporting

communication access and growth.

What Does Play-Based Speech Therapy Look Like?

In play-based speech therapy, learning happens through play, movement, and real-life interaction. Therapy may include:

• Playing with toys your child loves

• Using books, songs, and games

• Building language and speech practice into play

• Supporting regulation and engagement

• Following your child’s lead

Play-based therapy allows speech and language skills to be practiced in

meaningful, motivating ways.

How Speech Therapy Supports Communication

Communication is more than words. Speech therapy supports children in expressing themselves confidently, reducing frustration, and building stronger connections with others.

If you’re unsure whether speech therapy is right for your child, a speech and language evaluation is the best place to start.