Speech and language therapy can be beneficial to those suffering from speech delays, impediments or communication issues.
However, this is not a typical trip to the GP, and this type of therapy is something that many of us don’t really understand, until we need a therapist, that is.
As a result, speech therapy can raise a lot of questions for the individuals, caregivers and families using these services.
That is why we have created this guide. Below, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about speech and language therapy.
What Is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy is a type of treatment designed to help those with communication, speech, language and swallowing difficulties.
This type of therapy will be provided by speech and language therapists (SALT).
These professionals work with their patients to assess what is causing their speech or communication difficulties. They can then introduce a personalised plan to help the individual improve their speech production, speak more clearly and communicate more effectively.
Who Needs Speech Therapy?
There are many reasons someone might need speech therapy, and individuals of all ages can suffer from delays or difficulties. In particular, children with speech delays or language disorders may need therapy, as well as those with learning difficulties, disabilities or difficulty swallowing.
But speech therapy isn’t just for children; adults with speech, language or swallowing issues due to conditions like strokes, traumatic brain injuries, neurological diseases or voice disorders can also benefit from this type of treatment.
What Causes Speech Delays And Difficulties?
There are also a number of reasons someone might experience speech delays or difficulties, and these reasons can differ between children and adults. Some of the main causes in children include:
- Natural developmental delays – Some children develop speech and language skills later than their peers
- Hearing impairment
- Chronic ear infections
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Neurological disorders like Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome and other genetic conditions like Fragile X or Rett syndrome
- Oral-motor problems
- Cognitive delays
- Environmental factors like bilingualism or lack of stimulation
- Emotional or psychological factors like stress, selective mutism and anxiety
- Premature birth
Some of the issues can also affect adults, though these are more likely to require therapy as a child. Some of the other leading causes of speech delays or difficulties in adults include:
- Acquired conditions such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) leading to Aphasia
- Degenerative disease like Parkinson’s, ALS or dementia
- Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis
- Dysarthria due to muscle weakness
- Apraxia
- Cognitive-communication disorders
What Are The Signs Someone Needs Speech Therapy?
There are many common signals that someone might need speech and language therapy, whether a child or an adult. Understanding these signs makes it easier to determine if therapy is the right solution. Look out for the following signs:
- Speech delays or development in young children (those not hitting key milestones)
- Difficulty with understanding or producing language
- Stuttering or fluency disorders
- Voice problems, such as strained speaking or a hoarse voice
- Difficulty pronouncing certain words clearly
- Trouble with communication skills including speaking, listening and body language
- Problems swallowing or eating
The severity of these signals will vary from person to person, but knowing what to look out for means knowing if and when you need to seek therapy.
What Happens In A Speech Therapy Session?
Every therapy session is tailored to the individual’s needs, so it’s hard to say exactly what happens in each session.
However, a typical session will include activities designed to improve speech sounds, language comprehension, social communication and cognitive communication skills.
For children, these sessions might incorporate games, books and role-play activities, but for adults, this may include targeted and practical exercises and communication tasks.
How Long Does Speech Therapy Take?
The length of time speech and language therapy takes will vary from person to person.
It will depend on the individual’s needs, the severity of their disorder and the type of speech or language challenges they face. How well they progress will also impact how long the therapy sessions continue.
So, there is no one answer; some people may only need a few sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy over months or even years.
At What Age Should I Seek Out A Speech Therapist For My Child?
If you suspect your child has speech delays or difficulties, the earlier you can tackle the issue the better.
However, it’s important to remember that every child develops at different speeds, so there’s no need to panic if your child isn’t hitting every milestone at the exact right moment.
That being said, if they aren’t using single words or basic phrases by the age of two or if they are hard to understand, speech therapy may help.
The best solution is to seek assessment if you’re worried and let the professionals advise on whether your child is experiencing problems or if they are just taking a little longer to get started.
Can Bilingual Children Develop Speech Or Language Delays?
Bilingualism itself does not cause speech delays and there are lots of children who can learn multiple languages simultaneously without experiencing any issues.
However, some may develop at different rates in each language, and this can present itself as a speech delay or difficulty.
So, keeping that in mind, if you are raising a bilingual child, be sure to support their learning and development as much as possible and don’t put too much pressure on yourself or them. If you are concerned about their speech in either language, then seek professional assessment.
How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Speech Therapy At Home?
If your child needs speech and language therapy, it’s important to reinforce their learning and development by engaging with them at home. This includes encouraging active conversations, reading books together, modelling correct speech and other fun activities that their therapist recommends.
Consistency and encouragement will play a crucial role in your child’s progress. So find out from their therapist additional ways you can support them at home to boost their learning and development.
Where Do I Find A Good Speech Therapist?
There are a couple of ways to find the right speech therapist for your child. Online platforms like Saltroad make it simple and can match you with the perfect therapist in your local area.
You can also ask for recommendations from your doctor, local support groups or school, or simply run a search online to find therapists in the area.