What is Speech Language Therapy?

Most children with speech or language problems can be treated using speech language therapy. Following are the answers of most asked questions relating with the topic:

What are Speech Disorders?

A speech disorder is a problem making sounds. Speech disorders include:

• Articulation disorders: These problems include making incorrect sounds or saying words that are too long.
• Fluency disorders: These are problems like stuttering (in which speech flow is disrupted by unusual stops or partial-word repetitions (“bb-boy”) or prolonged sounds and syllables (“sssssssnake”).
• Voice disorders or resonance: These problems are caused by a person’s voice quality, pitch, volume or quality that can distract from the message. These disorders can also cause discomfort or pain in children speaking.

What are Language Disorders?

Language disorders refer to problems understanding and putting words together in order to communicate ideas. Language disorders can either be expressive or receptive.

• Receptive disorders refer to problems understanding or processing language.
• Mood disorders include difficulties with writing, a limited vocabulary or in using language in a appropriate manner.
• Cognitive communication disorders are problems with communication ability that engage with memory, perception, attention, regulation, organization, and problem solving.

What are Feeding Disorders?

Dysphagia/oral eating disorders can affect how someone eats and drinks. These disorders can cause problems with swallowing and chewing, as well as coughing and gagging.

Who Provides Speech-Language Therapy in

SLPs (speech-language pathologists) are trained in the study and diagnosis of communication disorders, as well as its development. SLPs assess language, cognitive communication, speech, and feeding / oral / swallowing abilities. They can identify the problem and determine the best treatment.

SLPs should have:

• At least a master’s level
• state certification/licensure in the field
• a clinical competency certificate

Speech assistants can sometimes provide speech-language services. They typically have a 2-year associate’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s, and they are usually supervised by an SLP.

What do SLPs do?

An SLP can work with a child in speech-language therapy one-on-one or in small groups.

Therapists employ a range of strategies including:

• Language intervention activities A SLP will play and talk with children using pictures, books, objects or other ongoing events to encourage language development. To help build language skills, the therapist might model grammar and vocabulary.
• Articulation therapy. Sound production is where the therapist models correct sounds and syllables for children, often in play activities. The child’s age and specific needs will determine the level of play. The SLP will teach the child how to make certain sounds such as the “r”, and how to move their tongue to make particular sounds.
• Oral motor/feeding and swallowing therapy A variety of oral exercises may be used by the SLP to strengthen the muscles for eating, drinking and swallowing. To increase the child’s awareness of food textures and temperature, the SLP might introduce different foods to help them eat and swallow.

Why do some children need speech-language therapy?

Speech-language therapy may be necessary for children for many reasons.

• hearing impairments
• Cognitive (intellectual and thinking) or other developmental delays
• Weak oral muscles
• Chronic hoarseness
• Cleft palate or cleft lip
• Autism
• Problems with motor planning
• Problems with articulation
• Fluency disorders
• Respiratory problems (breathing disorders).
• Feeding and swallowing problems
• traumatic brain injury

It is important to begin therapy as soon as possible. Children who start therapy before they are 5 years old have better outcomes than those who wait.

However, this doesn’t mean older children won’t benefit from therapy. However, their progress may be slower because they have already learned patterns that must be changed.

Where can I find a Speech-Language Therapist in my area?

Ask your child’s teacher or doctor for a referral to a specialist. You can also search online for local directories for audiology and speech-language pathology.

The SLP for your child should be licensed in your state. They should also have experience working with children and the specific disorder you are dealing with, such as Speech Therapy Karachi.

What Can Parents Do?

The success of a child’s speech and language therapy progress depends on the parents. Parents who were involved in the program are the ones who have the best results and the fastest time to complete it.

Ask your therapist for suggestions. You can, for example, help your child with the at-home activities suggested by the SLP. This will ensure that your child continues to learn and carries over new skills. It can be difficult to overcome a speech and language disorder. It is important for all family members to be understanding and patient with the child.

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