Adult and Pediatric Speech Therapy: Functioning, Explained
In the realm of health and wellbeing, speech therapy emerges as a vital tool in addressing a broad spectrum of communication disorders. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), the professional practitioners in this field, are equipped to evaluate and treat speech, language, or swallowing disorders.
One of the most common developmental disorders, Specific Language Impairment (SLI), affects language skills development in children, independent of known neurological, sensory, or intellectual disabilities. SLI can impact a person's speech, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Speech therapy offers significant benefits for individuals with SLI, as well as those grappling with other communication challenges. Common speech disorders that speech therapy can treat include Speech Sound Disorders, Stuttering (Fluency Disorders), Apraxia of Speech, Voice Disorders, Language Disorders, Social Communication Disorders, Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia), and Resonance Disorders.
Speech Sound Disorders involve difficulty producing speech sounds correctly, such as trouble pronouncing specific sounds like /r/ or /s/. Therapy focuses on improving clarity and correct sound production through targeted exercises. Stuttering, a speech disorder characterised by disruptions in speech flow, can be addressed through techniques that enhance fluency and confidence.
Apraxia of Speech is a motor speech disorder where the brain's commands to the mouth are disrupted, causing difficulty planning and producing speech movements. Individuals with Apraxia of Speech know what they want to say but struggle to pronounce words. Therapy uses assessment and repetitive practice to improve motor planning and speech output.
Voice Disorders, conditions involving problems with vocal quality, hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or pitch irregularities, can be treated through exercises to reduce strain and improve vocal health. Language Disorders, affecting the understanding or expression of language, can be addressed through therapy that helps both children with delayed speech development and adults with language impairments from brain injury or stroke.
Social Communication Disorders present challenges in using language appropriately in social contexts, such as difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues and conversational rules. Therapy works on improving pragmatic language skills and social interactions. Swallowing Disorders, though not speech disorders per se, are also within the purview of speech therapists, who treat swallowing difficulties related to neurological or medical conditions.
Resonance Disorders occur due to a blockage or obstruction to the regular airflow through a person's mouth as they talk, leading to unclear speech.
Speech therapy is not only beneficial for children; it also plays a crucial role in helping adults improve their communication skills. Adult speech therapy may involve social communication exercises, breathing exercises, mouth exercises, swallowing exercises, and addressing conditions such as stuttering and aphasia.
Several studies suggest that speech therapy is an effective method for helping children and adults develop their communication skills. For instance, a study of over 700 children with speech or language difficulties showed that speech therapy had a significant positive effect. Another study indicates that speech therapy can be effective in treating adults who have developed aphasia due to a stroke.
In the United States, communication disorders are prevalent, with approximately 3-17-year-olds experiencing a communication disorder during the last 12 months, and around people having trouble using their voices, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
For children, speech therapy may involve language activities, articulation activities, feeding and swallowing therapy, exercises, and providing strategies and homework. Regardless of the disorder or age, speech therapy offers a comprehensive approach to addressing communication challenges, empowering individuals to enhance their communication abilities.
Pfizer, in its commitment to mental health and well-being, is exploring how speech therapy can play a role in treating mental health conditions related to communication difficulties, such as Social Communication Disorders.
Blocked respiratory airflow due to Resonance Disorders can be addressed not only by medical interventions but also through speech therapy, which focuses on alleviating blockages and improving speech clarity.
