Language and Speech: Key Elements of Human Communication
Language and speech are essential elements of human communication. When difficulties arise in this area, challenges emerge that significantly impact quality of life. The role of the speech therapist is invaluable in diagnosing, preventing, and treating speech and language disorders in both children and adults. At the newly opened AuriCor Polyclinic, our speech therapy professor provides comprehensive speech assessment and therapy services, focusing on the individual needs of each patient.
What Does a Speech Therapist Do?
A speech therapist is a specialist in speech-language disorders, dealing with the diagnosis and therapy of problems related to speech, language, voice, and swallowing. A speech therapist helps patients with speech articulation issues, delayed speech development, stuttering, as well as those with difficulties in understanding or expressing language.
Speech therapists work with various age groups – from young children showing signs of speech delay to adults who experience communication difficulties due to illness or injury.
Working with Children: Early Intervention is Key
Speech and language difficulties in children can arise for various reasons, such as hereditary factors, developmental disorders, and neurological conditions. Early intervention is crucial as the first signs of speech problems are often visible at an early age. The sooner a child receives appropriate assistance, the greater the chance that they will successfully develop the skills needed for effective communication.
Signs that may indicate the need for a speech therapy assessment:- A child under the age of three does not speak in sentences or has a very limited vocabulary.
- A child does not respond to their name or shows little interest in communication.
- The child’s speech is unclear or incorrect, even after the age of four.
- Delayed understanding of simple instructions or inability to follow conversations.
- Stuttering or other speech fluency issues.
Early diagnosis and therapy can significantly reduce or even eliminate many of these issues, enabling the child to successfully participate in educational and social activities.
Speech and Language Therapy for Adults
Although speech therapy is often associated with children, adults can also benefit from speech assessment and therapy. Speech and language difficulties in adults mostly occur as a result of stroke, head trauma, neurological diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease), or hearing loss.
Examples of problems in adults:- Aphasia: A disorder that affects the ability to understand and/or express language. Speech therapy provides targeted interventions to regain language skills.
- Dysarthria: A disorder of articulation caused by neurological diseases, where therapy helps improve muscle control.
- Voice Disorders: Issues such as hoarseness or voice loss, often caused by excessive strain, are treated with proper vocal techniques.
Therapy Process: An Individualized Approach
Each patient is unique, and therapy is tailored to their specific needs. During the first session, the speech therapist conducts a thorough assessment to identify the nature and severity of the problem. Based on the assessment, an individualized therapy plan is created, which may include:
- Exercises to develop speech and language skills.
- Articulation exercises for correct pronunciation of sounds and words.
- Techniques to improve speech fluency in individuals with stuttering.
- Breathing exercises and vocal support techniques for voice therapy.
The Importance of Continuous Monitoring
Speech therapy requires commitment, patience, and cooperation. Ongoing progress monitoring is crucial for success, and the speech therapist adjusts the therapy based on the patient’s needs to achieve the set goals.
At AuriCor Polyclinic, our speech therapy professor is dedicated to providing individualized care for each patient. Contact us to schedule a consultation so we can work together to find the best path to better communication!
