Speech Therapy (ST) focuses on receptive language, the ability to understand words spoken to you, and expressive language, the ability to use words to express yourself. In addition, Speech Therapy offers treatment to many speech/language disorders.
Speech disorders include the following problems, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):
- Articulation disorders include difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people can’t understand what’s being said.
- Fluency disorders include problems such as stuttering, the condition in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, repetitions (st-st-stuttering), or prolonging sounds and syllables (ssssstuttering).
- Resonance or voice disorders include problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that distract listeners from what’s being said. These types of disorders may also cause pain or discomfort for the child when speaking.
- Dysphasia/oral feeding disorders, including difficulties with eating and swallowing.
- Language disorders can be either receptive or expressive:
- Receptive disorders refer to difficulties understanding or processing language.
- Expressive disorders include difficulty putting words together, limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Is your child experiencing any of the following?
- Articulation/Phonological Processes:
- Problems pronouncing words correctly
- Using incorrect consonants from words, such as saying wabbit instead of rabbit
- Receptive/Expressive Language Delay:
- Difficulty following directions to complete a task
- lack of words/vocabulary
- Inability to communicate basic wants and needs
- Fluency Issues:
- Repeating words or parts of words
- Twitching and blinking eyes while speaking
- Frustration and embarrassment which often decreases child’s desire to speak
- Voice/Augmentative and Alternative Communication:
- Child has a very nasal sounding voice
- Loses voice for days after excessive use
- Unable to use vocal communication
- Pragmatic Delay:
- Child doesn’t make eye contact
- Child doesn’t use greetings
- Child doesn’t respond to questions
- Child doesn’t express emotions
- Child doesn’t interact appropriately with adults or peers
- Oral Motor/ Feeding Issues:
- Underweight with coughing
- Vomiting or tearing eyes while eating
- Picky eaters
- Trouble chewing certain foods
- Trouble swallowing food
- Reading Problems:
- Unable to read and spell words at same level as peers
- Teacher have suggested child might be dyslexic or learning disabled
- Trouble hearing the difference in words that are similar
Any of the above examples could be signs that your child could benefit from a Speech Therapy evaluation and/or treatment.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Our Speech Therapy Program offers services for:
|
|
