Speech and Language Therapy

There are many types of speech and language disorders in children. Some common disorders include:

Articulation disorders:

An articulation disorder is the inability to properly produce / form certain word sounds.

Fluency disorder:

Fluency disorder includes stuttering and cluttering where a person has trouble getting out a sound and may have speech that is blocked or interrupted, or may repeat part of all of a word. A person with cluttering often speaks very fast and merges words together.

Language disorder:

A child with difficulty to understand and express their thoughts or communicate This can cause you to seem uninterested when someone is speaking, have trouble following directions, or have a limited vocabulary. They might have trouble forming accurate sentences, such as using incorrect verb tense.

Voice Disorder:

Where the person might have difficulty to produce or during production of voice. Speech and language therapy in children also focuses on improving parent-child interaction, play development and cognitive skills. Speech and language therapy also includes AAC-Augmentative and Alternative Communication which help to support the communication of individuals who are unable to speak or those with limited communication.

There are many different types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication, these can include:

• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Signing
• Communication books / charts
• Alphabet charts
• Hi-tech communication aids e.g. electronic voice devices and computers
• Symbol systems

Individuals of all ages and abilities can benefit from the use of AAC. The individual’s parents or carers, also anyone wishing to communicate with the individual, will benefit from AAC.

Speech and language therapy is recommended in children having Autism Spectrum disorders, Cerebral palsy, Cognitive delays, Hearing impairment, Down ’s syndrome or general Speech-language delay.

Speech language therapy in adults is required for the following disorders: Aphasia, Dysarthria, Stuttering, Dysphagia and Voice disorders.

Aphasia:

This is an acquired communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak and understand others. Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia, though other brain disorders can also cause it.

Dysarthria:

This condition is characterised by slow or slurred speech due to a weakness or inability to control the muscles used for speech.

Dysphagia:

where the child/adult might have difficulty in swallowing or may have cough /choking effects during swallowing.

The type of support provided by a speech and language therapist (SLT) will depend on the needs of the individual.

Some people with aphasia may need one-to-one therapy sessions, while others may benefit from attending a group session. Some people may need long-term support, while others may only need brief intervention. The type of support provided may also vary depending on the stage of recovery.

Speech therapy for adults includes exercises that helps you with speech, language, Dysphagia, and cognitive communication.

SLTs assess and treat speech, language and communication problems in people of all ages to help them communicate better. They also assess, treat and develop personalised plans to support people who have eating and swallowing problems.

Using specialist skills, SLTs work directly with clients and their caregivers and provide them with tailored support. SLTs also work closely with teachers and other health professionals to develop individual treatment programmes.