When one hears the term speech therapy, one might mentally associate it with recovery for stroke patients. While this is an invaluable part of speech therapy services, it is only one part of the larger picture of what speech therapy encompasses. Healthline defines it as “Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders. It is performed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), which are often referred to as speech therapists.”
But what are some of these disorders, and how can therapists help? Here are a few of the many ways that speech therapy can make a profound difference in a person’s quality of life.
Those that live with stuttering or lisping will be the first to say they wish that someone would reach out and help them, giving them the ability to speak out confidently without fear of being shamed. Patients can often overcome these difficulties through proven techniques and practices that have repeatedly had success stories.
The connection between cognitive abilities and communication can present problems in some people. Therapists encourage memory skills and to vocalize what the mind is thinking. Brain injury, dementia, stroke, and other neurological issues that can cause damage to the brain will often cause difficulties in expressing thought, short or long-term memory, or unraveling a conversation.
Throat cancer patients and those with esophageal, nasal, or other oral cavity disorders may suffer from hoarse, raspy, or nasal-sounding voices needing help in breathing techniques, forming sounds that reduce stress on the affected area, and improving voice quality. Cleft palates, infected tonsils, chronic nasal blockages, neurological or pulmonary disorders, and other challenges may also produce similar difficulties.
Those with mild or severe hearing loss who want to improve their vocal skills or better discern what others say have found hope through speech therapy. Therapists use specialized techniques to help them form words using the tongue, lips, as well as breathing and projections. They are also instrumental in teaching lip-reading methods.
Children and adults alike afflicted with dyslexia, apraxia, aphasia, autism, Down’s Syndrome, and other disorders can benefit significantly from speech therapy programs.
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association expands the need for therapy to include feeding and swallowing disorders. They explain it as “how well we suck, chew, and swallow food and liquid. A swallowing disorder may lead to poor nutrition, weight loss, and other health problems. This is also called dysphagia.”
Disorders aren’t the only reason that a speech therapist may be consulted. Public speakers, on-air announcers, news people, CEOs, or even salespeople, for example, desiring to convey their point more convincingly and articulate more clearly, invoke better breathing techniques, and other objectives may engage with a therapist.
The list of how speech therapies can help those with these and other disorders reach their goals, both with immediate and future needs is endless. However, it is effective at any age, and it’s never too late or too soon to begin a change for good in improving one’s quality of life through communication.
Therapy programs may be carried out as a pre-determined number of visits or conditional on the patient’s progress and long-term needs. Today, patients can choose between one-on-one consultations or telehealth as well. Tried and true methods using props, digital devices, mirrored exercises, and other tools and other techniques best suited to the individual’s needs. Speech pathologists are highly trained in all the disciplines and will know what is best to reach the patient’s goals. We at NIT are versatile and experienced to accommodate all concerns and needs and specialize in children’s speech disorders.
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