What Is Speech Therapy?
The Speech Therapy Department works with the evaluation and treatment of disorders of speech, language, cognition, and swallowing. A Speech-Language Pathologist is trained to provide a continum of services to children and adults for these disorders. Patients are assisted in maximizing their communication abilities in order to function at an optimal level.
The process is done through:
- Evaluation and identification of difficulties
- Patient Education
- Prevention Therapy
- Direct Treatment
How Can A Speech Therapist Help You?
Speech Therapists serve individuals who have a variety of communication and swallowing problems. Some common problems are as follows:
- Articulation/phonological disorders begins when individuals have difficulty producing the correct sounds during speech. Most articulation disorders are seen in children, but can also occur as a result of a stroke or other injury to an adult. Early intervention is recommended.
- Stuttering usually begins in childhood and is identified as involuntary repeating, holding, or blocking sounds or words, affecting the smoothness of speech. Early intervention is recommended.
- Language disorders refer to a disruption in a person's ability to learn normal language behaviors and skills. These individuals have difficulty understanding or using spoken and/or written language to communicate thoughts, feelings and experiences.
- Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that is caused by a stroke, brain injury, drug use or other illness. Persons experience difficulty in communicating effectively with family and friends.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) benefits individuals who cannot rely on speech as their primary means of communication. AAC systems include gestures, sign language, alphabet boards, picture or word boards and computerized systems with synthesized or digitized speech output.
- Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can occur as a result of a stroke, brain injury, cancer or prolonged illness. Individuals have difficulty with chewing and swallowing liquids and foods effectively or safely.
- Stuttering usually occurs in childhood and is identified as involuntarily repeating, holding, or blocking sounds or words, affecting the smoothness of speech.
- Voice disorders are abnormal changes to a person's voice quality (hoarse, breathy, strained and nasal) resulting from mistreatment or overuse of the voice, structural abnormalities, or an illness.
- Cognitive Communication Disorders refer to difficulties with clear thinking, planning, memory and problem solving. This often occurs following a traumatic brain injury.
Since YOU are the most important member of the team, it is our goal to improve your ability to functionally communicate. This is done through the services of team members, which may include:
- Speech Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
Through dedicated listening and responding to your needs, you are assured the highest level of quality care.