Our Services
Speech and Language Therapy
What is Speech and Language Therapy?
Speech therapy is a field of healthcare aimed at improving communication skills and addressing difficulties with speaking, understanding, reading, writing, or swallowing. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) uses tailored exercises, activities, and techniques to help individuals achieve their communication goals.
Who can benefit from speech therapy?
Speech therapy can benefit individuals of all ages—children with developmental delays, adults recovering from strokes, seniors with age-related conditions like dementia, or anyone facing challenges with communication, language, voice, fluency, or swallowing.
Is speech therapy just for kids?
No, speech therapy is for everyone. While it’s commonly associated with children, adults and seniors often benefit from therapy for conditions like stroke recovery, voice disorders, or progressive diseases like Parkinson’s.
What are the signs that someone might need speech therapy?
Children: Not meeting speech milestones, difficulty pronouncing words, limited vocabulary, or trouble following directions.
Adults: Sudden difficulty speaking, understanding others, or swallowing (e.g., after a stroke).
Seniors: Changes in voice, difficulty with memory-related communication, or swallowing issues.
Can speech therapy "cure" all communication issues?
While therapy can lead to significant improvements, it doesn’t always result in a complete "cure." Progress depends on the individual's condition, goals, and the consistency of practice outside of therapy sessions.
How do I get started with speech therapy?
The process usually starts with an evaluation by an SLP, who assesses communication or swallowing needs. After identifying specific challenges, the SLP creates a tailored therapy plan, which is followed in regular sessions.
How long does speech therapy usually take?
The duration varies depending on the individual's needs, goals, and consistency of practice. Some may see progress in a few months, while others may require ongoing therapy.
Who Do Speech-Language Pathologists Work With?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with individuals across the lifespan who experience challenges in communication, language, speech, or swallowing. Our SLPs currently only work with children and adolescents. Here’s a list of common groups and conditions our SLPs support:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
Children and adolescents with ASD often experience challenges in social communication, understanding non-verbal cues, and using language effectively. SLPs help them develop skills such as initiating conversations, interpreting gestures, and improving expressive and receptive language. Therapy may also include alternative communication methods like AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices or picture exchange systems for non-verbal individuals.
Speech Sound Disorders:
These include articulation and phonological disorders, where children struggle to produce certain sounds correctly or use patterns that make their speech difficult to understand. SLPs work on improving sound production and clarity through structured exercises, games, and activities tailored to the child’s developmental level. For children with childhood apraxia of speech, SLPs focus on motor planning and coordination to produce consistent and accurate speech sounds.
Language Delays:
Children with language delays may have difficulty understanding language (receptive language) or expressing themselves (expressive language). This could manifest as a limited vocabulary, trouble forming sentences, or difficulty following directions. SLPs use activities like storytelling, play-based learning, and structured practice to enhance vocabulary, grammar, and overall language comprehension and use.
Stuttering (Fluency Disorders):
Stuttering can affect a child’s ability to speak smoothly and confidently, often leading to frustration or avoidance of communication. SLPs teach strategies to manage dysfluencies, such as reducing tension, slowing speech, and building confidence. They also address the emotional and psychological aspects of stuttering, helping children feel comfortable communicating in various settings.
Developmental Disorders:
Children with conditions like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other intellectual disabilities may experience communication challenges alongside other developmental delays. SLPs help these children improve their ability to express needs and emotions, engage socially, and develop functional communication skills. Therapy may involve AAC systems, structured routines, and family training to ensure progress in daily life.
Selective Mutism:
Selective mutism is an anxiety-related condition where a child speaks comfortably in certain settings (like at home) but becomes silent in others (like school). SLPs work collaboratively with psychologists and teachers to reduce anxiety around speaking. They use strategies like gradual exposure to speaking in different environments, role-playing, and positive reinforcement to build confidence.
Hearing Impairments:
Children with hearing loss may experience delays in speech and language development. SLPs collaborate with audiologists to provide auditory training, teaching children to recognize and differentiate sounds. They also work on speech clarity, language development, and social communication. For children with cochlear implants or hearing aids, therapy supports their adaptation and maximizes communication skills.
Feeding and Swallowing Issues (Pediatric Dysphagia):
Feeding and swallowing difficulties can stem from medical conditions, sensory aversions, or developmental delays. SLPs help children who have trouble breastfeeding, transitioning to solid foods, or chewing and swallowing safely. Therapy may include exercises to strengthen oral muscles, sensory desensitization, or techniques to ensure safe swallowing and adequate nutrition.
