Every child has a unique story to tell. That story is shaped by family, culture, language, and daily experiences. In speech therapy, it’s not just about teaching words or sounds, it’s about making sure children can express themselves in a way that feels true to who they are.

For many families, English isn’t the only language spoken at home. Some children may grow up switching between two or more languages every day. Others may use a dialect, that has its own rich set of rules. These ways of speaking are not “wrong”, but instead they’re part of a child’s identity.

In fact, when a child is experiencing a speech or language delay, one of the most common myths families hear is that they should “drop” their home language and only use English. Research tells us the opposite: maintaining multiple languages actually supports language growth. Children build a stronger foundation for communication when they continue to hear and use the languages that are meaningful to them and their families.

When therapy is inclusive, your child’s world is woven into the sessions. That might look like:

• Reading books that show characters from your child’s background.

• Practicing words that connect to your family’s traditions, foods, or celebrations.

• Encouraging your child to share stories with grandparents in their home language.

• Supporting code-switching or blending of languages as a natural and healthy part of communication.

When children feel that their voices are respected, they’re more confident. They’re not just learning to talk in a classroom or clinic, they’re learning to connect with family, friends, and their community. Parents often feel more comfortable too, knowing that therapy builds on what matters most in their home, and that they don’t need to let go of a beloved language to help their child succeed.

At the heart of speech therapy is the belief that every child deserves to be heard. By honoring culture and identity, and by embracing all of th