- Speech therapy is used to treat articulation difficulties which include the production of sounds, saying words correctly and communicating ideas through words. Fluency disorders such as stuttering, voice or resonance disorders including problems with pitch, volume and quality of the voice, and oral disorders such as difficulties with eating and swallowing are also treated with speech therapy. Language disorders refer to receptive disorders where individuals have difficulty understanding language and expressive disorders where individuals have limited vocabulary, trouble putting words together, or an inability to use language in an appropriate manner.
- Speech and language disorders are usually recognized by parents when a child has delayed speech and is limited in communication in relation to children in their age range. Developmental deficits such as these should be evaluated by a doctor who can refer parents to the proper specialist and identify the problem causing the speech and language delay. Conditions such as autism, cognitive delays, pervasive developmental disorders, hearing problems, brain injuries, respiratory problems, weak oral muscles, or birth defects such as cleft lip or palate may require the need of speech therapy.
- Individuals with speech and language disorders should begin speech therapy as soon as possible. For children, learning outcomes are usually better for those who begin speech therapy before age three than those who begin therapy later. This is because older children tend to have learning patterns that need to be changed, which results in a slower rate of progression. It's also important to find a speech therapist who is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, or ASHA. Your therapist should be experienced in working with individuals with the particular disorder the patient has. Parental and family involvement is also a critical part of a child's success in speech therapy. Therapists can give parents at-home activities to work on with the child and help their progress.
- Although it is true that everyone learns at a different pace, do not think that a child who is behind in his speech and language development will catch up on his own. Ignoring delays in development can result in more problems down the line. Speak to your child's doctor at the first sign that something may be wrong. Don't compare your child's development to your own or anyone else's. Your child's doctor can tell you age appropriate speech and communication development that you should be noticing.
- Speech therapy is beneficial because it works to meet the individualized needs of each patient. This is done by developing a treatment plan that helps them progress in their speech or language difficulties by learning how to communicate more effectively. For children with speech and language therapy needs, schools and speech-language pathologists will work to ensure that the child is receiving effective therapy inside the classroom that meets their special educational needs.
