Speech Therapy
Speech therapy can help people who have difficulty speaking to communicate better and to break down the barriers that result from speech impediments. The goals of speech therapy include improving pronunciation, strengthening the muscles used in speech, and learning to speak correctly.
Speech therapy can be used for a lot of different speech problems and disorders, from smaller problems like a hoarse voice up to partial loss of speech due to brain damage. Depending on the type of disorder, other medical or psychological treatments may be used as well.
What treatments are used in speech therapy?
There are various speech therapy techniques for each of the areas described above – the ones that are considered depend on the particular disorder. A long series of treatment sessions is typically needed, with each lasting 30 to 60 minutes. They may take place in a group or one-on-one.
The treatment approaches used in speech therapy include:
Perception exercises, for example to differentiate between individual sounds and syllables
Exercises to produce certain sounds and improve the fluency of speech
Exercises to improve breathing, swallowing and the voice
Help with communication using things like sign language, communication boards and computer-assisted speech
Advice for people who need speech therapy, their parents and other loved ones
Support in implementing these measures in everyday life
What are the advantages of speech therapy?
- Improved self-esteem.
- Increased independence.
- Improved ability to comprehend and express ideas, thoughts and feelings.
- School readiness for young children.
- Enhanced vocal quality.
- Early language skills.
- Better swallowing function.
- Improved quality of life.
