Final answer:
The appropriate professional for therapeutic intervention when a child struggles with speech and language development is a speech/language therapist. They have specialized training to address and manage communication challenges, unlike elocutionists or English tutors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a child struggles with speech and language development, the professional who typically provides therapeutic intervention is a speech/language therapist. Pediatricians can diagnose or refer cases, but speech therapists are specifically trained to address speech and language difficulties. Elocutionists focus on the art of public speaking and pronunciation, which is distinct from overcoming speech delays or disorders. Likewise, English tutors generally assist with academic English skills rather than speech development challenges.
Speech therapists employ various strategies to assist with language development, such as strengthening the muscles used for speech, enhancing articulation, and practicing language use in different contexts. In some cases, parents and caregivers can also support a child's language development by increasing verbal interaction, as shown by the research at the University of Chicago. However, for professional and individualized intervention, a speech/language therapist is the most appropriate choice.