It is becoming more well-known that mental health needs are on the rise in children, but when you think about your role as an SLP, you may wonder what you can really do about it. For many children, their ability to communicate and interact with the world around them is deeply intertwined with their emotional well-being. Don’t overlook the unique position you are in. SLPs and childhood mental health— it’s more important than ever to be involved!
Mental Health in Children Today
Anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges have been on the rise in children over the last decade. According to recent data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 20% of children and adolescents are diagnosed with a mental health disorder like anxiety or depression each year.
Half of all mental health conditions develop by the time a child is 14 years old, and only around 50% of all children with mental health challenges ever receive treatment. This highlights the need for more involved adults to recognize these challenges early on and help children receive needed support.
Mental Health and Speech Disorders
Children with speech disorders likely face higher risks of mental health challenges. Consider the following populations you serve:
- Children who stutter
- Autistic children
- Children with processing delays
Struggling to understand others and communicate effectively with them are challenges all of these populations may experience. These struggles can result in extreme frustration and even social isolation— and can result in poor mental health.
SLPs and Childhood Mental Health: Your Support Role
SLPs can be involved in childhood mental health in several ways. Individual and small group therapy settings allow you to have a unique perspective on a child’s life and feelings.
Here are 5 powerful ways to support mental health in your practice:
1. Recognize Signs of Mental Health Struggles
Understanding common signs of mental health struggles in children is the first step in helping the students you serve.
Signs can be physical or behavioral:
- Ongoing sadness, irritability, or emotional outbursts
- Avoidance of social interactions
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Difficulty concentrating or a sudden decline in academic performance
- Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms without a clear cause
- Regression in communication or social skills
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Much like speech skills, early identification and intervention are vital when addressing childhood mental health issues!
2. Make Referrals
Next, don’t be afraid to make referrals to specialists when needed. It is likely time to make a referral to a counselor if you notice:
- Ongoing signs of emotional distress
- Self-harming behaviors
- Suicidal ideations
- Students choosing not to engage with peers
Building a relationship with local mental health professionals like school counselors or pediatric psychologists can make these referrals happen more smoothly.
3. Promote Open Communication
Creating a safe, open space in your speech room can make a big difference for students who might be experiencing childhood mental health challenges too.
Make your speech room a supportive environment by:
Encouraging Open Communication
Let students know they can come to you if they’re feeling upset or need to talk. Make sure they understand they are never alone in their struggles.
Teach about Safe Adults
Regularly discuss who “safe adults” are— the people you can turn to when feeling worried or sad. Let students know that it’s okay to reach out to these safe adults when they are feeling out of sorts (yourself included!).
4. Be Intentional with Positive Reinforcement and Assurance
When students come into your therapy room, especially older ones, they may already have a lower feeling of self-worth. They recognize they are different and need more work than others.
It’s important for you to approach your students with a positive attitude and frequently remind them of their successes. Pointing out even the smallest accomplishments can help children develop a better sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
5. Integrate SEL into Speech Therapy
Integrating social-emotional learning into speech therapy sessions is another important way to address mental health in your speech room.
Use books, social stories, and activities with social-emotional learning themes to encourage students to process big emotions and social situations that might normally feel stressful or difficult for them.
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Consider these options:
Kid-friendly resources like these can help students process abstract concepts like feelings in easier, more meaningful ways. When children can identify and express their feelings more effectively, they are more likely to ask for help when they need it!
Set Clear Guidelines for Social-Emotional Expectations
It’s also important for students to know that they are in the speech room to support each other too! Establish clear expectations for kindness, patience, and respect.
Encourage students to cheer each other on! Students should never fear judgment from their peers when they are working on important social or communication skills.
Don’t underestimate the ways you can be involved in childhood mental health as an SLP. You CAN create a safe space for all students to experience positive communication and emotional growth!
You may also be interested in reading:
3 Powerful (& Simple!) Ways to Embrace Diversity in the Speech Room
How to Raise Compassionate Kids
Embracing Neurodiversity in Speech Therapy and Beyond
