Often when we think of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), the image of a school-age child comes to mind. We visualize a child with a lisp, stutter, or another difficulty with pronunciations of words. With May being Better Hearing and Speech Awareness Month, we’d like to share some of the ways both kids AND adults can benefit from working with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in the Ivy Rehab Network. An SLP can help with a variety of issues following illness or injury – some not seen as speech-related at all!
While considering the frequency and duration of speech therapy, parents and families can play a huge role in helping children achieve their goals faster. A speech therapist for kids will provide targets and goals, such as practice with articulation or motor speech therapy. A pediatric therapist will typically review goals addressed, provide insight and training for the family, and help to improve the rate of progressing on goals during pediatric speech therapy.
Because there is such a wide range of symptoms and treatments, it’s hard to definitively say what the appropriate speech therapy frequency and duration will be. A trained speech-language pathologist will analyze your issue to learn the complexity of it, and then set a goal that is achievable within a reasonable amount of time (typically 6 months or less). A speech therapist will create a custom treatment plan depending on you or your child’s needs. This may include treatment for the following:
Dysphagia
An SLP can evaluate and treat patients that have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Patients who have suffered a stroke or are struggling with a degenerative disease like Parkinson’s or ALS, sometimes have difficulty with swallowing due to the progression of the disease. Children who may be considered a “picky eater” because of a variety of sensory processing issues can struggle with difficulty swallowing as well. An SLP can help with these difficulties!
Weakened or Raspy Voice
An SLP can help with rehabilitation for a weak voice. Our Speech-Language pathologists have specialized training in how to improve voice amplitude, power, and fluency. Overuse, an injury or disease can cause stuttering or a weak or raspy voice. SLPs can help with exercises that strengthen vocal muscles and improve the clarity of your voice no matter the cause of your impairment.
Aphasia
Aphasia is the ability of the brain to translate thought into expressive language. Often after a stroke or brain injury, an individual may have difficulty with “word finding.” A patient will say, “It’s on the tip of my tongue but I can’t recall the word!” It is one of the most frustrating conditions for a patient. For the 180,000 people who struggle with aphasia every year, those that work with an SLP show significant signs of recovery.
Post-concussion Treatment
For athletes (pro, amateur, child, or adult) wanting to get back in the game after a concussion, an SLP can help you return to your sport! Studies show that concussions can cause memory issues, focus and attention difficulties, and struggles with critical thinking skills. Speech-Language Pathologists are experts at treating the side effects of a concussion, can help you fully recover, and return to your sport as well as resume daily functioning.
Once your speech pathologist takes an assessment of your speech and language skills, they will be able to develop a treatment plan specific to your needs. The speech therapy frequency and duration will depend upon your speech pathologist’s evaluation and will vary from patient to patient.
Find out how to find a pediatric speech therapist near you and receive a speech-language pathology plan today! You will discover the positive outcomes it will have on yours or your child’s speech and language development.
