Speech therapy is treatment for problems with speaking, language, and swallowing. It is given by a speech therapist, also called a speech-language pathologist. Speech therapy helps with using the voice properly and using the muscles to make the right sounds and helps with communication.
Speech Therapy for Children
For your child, speech therapy may take place in a classroom or small group, or one-on-one, depending on the speech disorder. During speech therapy for children, the SLP may:
- interact through talking and playing, and using books, pictures other objects as part of language intervention to help stimulate language development
- model correct sounds and syllables for a child during age-appropriate play to teach the child how to make certain sounds
- provide strategies and homework for the child and parent or caregiver on how to do speech therapy at home
Speech Therapy for Adults
Speech therapy for adults also begins with assessment to determine your needs and the best treatment. Speech therapy exercises for adults can help you with speech, language, and cognitive communication.
Exercises may involve:
- problem solving, memory, and organization, and other activities geared at improving cognitive communication
- conversational tactics to improve social communication
- exercises to strengthen oral muscles