Speech-Language Pathology is a treatment that helps improve speech and language skills. Speech-Language Pathology help with language skills, voice and sound production, comprehension, cognitive-communication, fluency, oral/feeding/swallowing skills, clarity, and expression.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis may include:
- Case History: Medical status, education, socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds and information from teachers and other related service providers
- Patient and family interview
- Review of auditory, visual, motor, and cognitive status
- Standardized and/or non-standardized measures of specific aspects of speech, spoken and non-spoken language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing function, including observations, and analysis of work samples
- Identification of potential for effective intervention strategies and compensations
- Selection of standardized measures for speech, language, cognitive-communication, and/or swallowing assessment with consideration for documented ecological validity, and cultural sensitivity
- Follow-up services to monitor communication and swallowing status and ensure appropriate intervention and support for individuals with identified speech, language, cognitive-communication, and/or swallowing disorders
Frequently Asked Questions
When a healthcare provider suspects the need for speech therapy they will recommend some initial screenings. The tests will help determine the underlying cause. For example, when a child has trouble communicating a healthcare provider will recommend additional testing for hearing and speech.
Speech therapy depends on several factors, including age and the type of speech disorder. For children, it usually involves play (sequencing activities or language-based board games). For adults, it’s focused on improving or rebuilding particular skill sets.
The speech-language pathologist will customize an appropriate treatment based on your unique situation.
- Improves self-esteem
- Increase independence
- Improved ability to comprehend and express ideas, thoughts and feelings
- School readiness for children
- Enhanced vocal quality
- Helps with language and social skills
- Better swallowing function