The main role of speech therapy is to help people who have difficulties with communication, swallowing, and speech. Speech therapists work with both children and adults who have speech, language, and communication impairments due to developmental delays, hearing loss, stroke, brain injury, or other conditions. Speech therapists assess a person’s speech and language abilities, diagnose communication disorders, and develop individualized treatment plans to improve communication skills.
Speech therapists can help people with a variety of communication issues, including problems with speaking, understanding, reading, writing, and social interaction. Speech therapists also work with people who have voice or articulation problems, such as stuttering, lisping, or difficulty producing certain sounds. Additionally, speech therapists can help people who have difficulty with their swallowing ability, known as dysphagia.
The goals of speech therapy are individualized to meet the needs of each patient. These goals may include improving a person’s ability to carry on a conversation, improving their ability to understand and use language, increasing their ability to speak clearly, improving their ability to read and write, and helping them to use their voice in a more effective manner. To achieve these goals, speech therapists use a variety of techniques, including exercises, drills, and other activities.
At the end of each session, the speech therapist will review the progress made and discuss the goals for the next session. Depending on the individual needs of the patient, treatment may take place over a period of days, weeks, months, or even years. Ultimately, the goal of speech therapy is to help individuals improve their communication abilities so that they can interact with others more effectively.