Speech and Language Therapy
Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders. It is performed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), which are often referred to as speech therapists.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), often called speech therapists, are educated in the study of human communication, its development, and its disorders. SLPs assess speech, language, cognitive-communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills. This lets them identify a problem and the best way to treat it.
Speech therapy techniques are used to improve communication
Speech-language pathologists serve individuals, families, and groups from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Services are provided based on applying the best available research evidence, using expert clinical judgments, and considering clients' individual preferences and values. Speech-language pathologists address typical and atypical communication and swallowing in the following areas:
Speech-language pathologists serve individuals, families, and groups from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Services are provided based on applying the best available research evidence, using expert clinical judgments, and considering clients’ individual preferences and values.
Speech therapy for children
Speech therapy exercises and activities vary depending on the child’s disorder, age, and needs. 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 client’s needs and the best treatment. Speech therapy exercises for adults can help with speech, language, and cognitive communication.
Therapy may also include retraining of swallowing function if an injury or medical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or oral cancerhas caused swallowing difficulties.
Exercises may involve:
- problem solving, memory, and organization, and other activities geared at improving cognitive communication
- conversational tactics to improve social communication
- breathing exercises for resonance
- exercises to strengthen oral muscles
Speech therapy in autism spectrum disorder
Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). People with autism have challenges with communication and social skills. They also have repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.
Speech Therapy for Autism
People with ASD may have major problems with both speech and nonverbal communication. They may also find it very hard to interact socially. For these reasons, speech therapy is a central part of treatment for autism. It helps children with speaking, as well as communicating and interacting with others. It can involve nonverbal skills, like making eye contact, taking turns in a conversation, and using and understanding gestures. It might also teach kids to express themselves using picture symbols, sign language, or computers.
What are the common speech and communication issues with autism?
About 1 in 3 people with autism have trouble producing speech sounds to effectively communicate with others.
A person with autism may:
- Not talk at all
- Utter grunts, cries, shrieks, or throaty, harsh sounds
- Hum or talk in a musical way
- Babble with word-like sounds
- Use foreign-sounding “words” or robotic-like speech
- Parrot or often repeat what another person says (called echolalia)
- Use the right phrases and sentences, but with an unexpressive tone of voice
A person with autism may also have communication challenges like:
- Trouble with conversational skills, including eye contact and gestures
- Trouble understanding the meaning of words outside the context where they were learned
- Memorization of things heard without knowing what’s been said
- Use of echolalia — the repeating of another person’s words as they are being said — as the main way to communicate
- Little understanding of the meaning of words or symbols
- Lack of creative language
How does speech therapy benefit people with ASD?
Speech therapy can improve overall communication. This makes it possible for people with autism to improve their ability to form relationships and function in day-to-day life.
Speech-language pathologists, or SLPs play an important role in autism treatment. They can help the person with autism build communication and social skills in various settings like home, school, and work. SLPs may work with the person alone or in small groups. Groups can help the person practice their skills with others.
Depending on the person’s needs, SLPs may work on some of the following skills:
- Getting along with others in a variety of settings
- Using appropriate communication behaviors
- Taking turns in conversation
- Transitioning from one task or setting to another
- Accepting change and expanding interests, including trying new foods
- Improving reading and writing skills
- Articulate words well
- Communicate both verbally and nonverbally
- Understand verbal and nonverbal communication, and what other people mean in different settings
- Start communication without prompting from others
- Know the appropriate time and place to communicate something; for example, when to say “good morning”
- Grow conversation skills
- Exchange ideas
- Communicate in ways to develop relationships.
- Enjoy communicating, playing, and interacting with other
- Learn self-control
For people with autism who are transitioning to work, SLPs can also
- help them write cover letters;
- practice interview skills; and
- learn strategies to communicate better at work.
When is the best time to start speech therapy for autism?
- The earlier speech therapy is started, the better. Autism spectrum disorder is usuallyclear before age 3. Language delays can be noticed as early as 18 months of age. In some cases, autism can be identified as early 10 to 12 months of age. It is very important to start speech therapy as early as possible, when it can have the biggest effect.
- With early identification and treatment, two out of three pre-schoolers with autism improve communication skills and their grasp of spoken language.
