Speech-Language Pathology

Speech therapists and pathologists help with speaking, understanding and swallowing. They offer support and guidance for people who struggle with these things. 

You can find these dedicated professionals in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, clinics and specialized centers. They are skilled at helping people of all ages. They do this by creating personalized treatment plans. These plans address each person’s specific needs.

A speech-language pathologist or therapist can treat a wide range of conditions related to communication and swallowing abilities. Some of the common conditions they address include:  

• Speech Disorders: These include articulation disorders (difficulty pronouncing sounds), fluency disorders (stuttering) and voice disorders (hoarseness or abnormal pitch).  
• Language Disorders: Problems with understanding and using language, including difficulty expressing thoughts and understanding spoken or written language.  
• Swallowing Disorders: Also known as dysphagia, these disorders affect the ability to swallow safely and efficiently. Speech-language pathologists can help individuals with swallowing difficulties improve their swallowing function and prevent complications.  
• Cognitive-Communication Disorders: These impact thinking skills like attention, memory, problem-solving and reasoning, which can affect communication abilities. Speech-language pathologists can provide therapy to improve cognitive-communication abilities.  
• Developmental Delays: Speech-language pathologists work with children who have developmental delays in speech and language skills. They help children catch up to their peers and develop age-appropriate communication skills.  
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis can affect speech and language abilities. Speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in rehabilitating communication skills in individuals with these conditions.  
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Speech-language pathologists work with individuals on the autism spectrum to improve their communication and social interaction skills.  

Pediatric Speech Therapy

Children’s speech therapy helps kids improve their communication skills so they can do things on their own. We can help with many skills for communication, like speech sounds, social skills and attention or listening skills. Speech therapy helps families understand that every child is unique and requires a customized plan to achieve their goals. The plan should align with the child’s needs and the family’s objectives.  

Pediatric speech therapy provides children with a supportive and nurturing environment where they can feel comfortable expressing themselves. Speech therapists use fun activities, pictures and games to make therapy sessions fun and interesting for kids. By incorporating these fun elements, children are more motivated to actively participate and practice their communication skills.  

One of the main goals of speech therapy is to help children become more independent in their communication abilities. Speech-language pathologists work on improving speech sounds, helping children articulate words and sentences more clearly. They help children improve social skills, teaching them how to start and keep conversations, understand body language and take turns properly.  

Children are different, so we should customize their therapy plan to meet their specific needs and goals. Speech-language pathologists work closely with families to understand their objectives and incorporate them into the therapy plan. Speech therapists involve the family to help the child’s progress in therapy continue at home.