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Speech Therapy
Speech language pathology also called as speech therapy is a treatment of speech, language and swallowing problems that make communication difficult. These include disorders such as paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) or vocal cord dysfuncion (VCD), swallowing disorders or dysphagia, chronic cough, chronic hoarseness and other voice disorders.
The speech therapy can be required by many people or children for a variety of reasons that include:
- Hearing impairments
- Weak oral muscles
- Cognitive (intellectual; thinking) or other developmental delays
- Birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate
- Motor planning problems
- Autism
- Respiratory problems (breathing disorders)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Swallowing disorders
Speech therapy can takes place in variety of settings at many places. Many therapists work in:
- Hospitals, with outpatients
- Hospitals, with patients
- Community health centers
- Special education schools
- Public and private schools
- Residential homes
- Private practice
- Day centers
- Clients' homes
Speech therapy sessions are about 30 to 60 minutes long. In the first visit, the patient may be administered by taking few tests. It will help the therapist to diagnosis the type and severity of swallowing disorders or speech language problems.
During the sessions, various activities may be employed such as:
- Sound or word rhymes.
- Sound or word repetition.
- Tongue twisters.
- Board games.
- Arts and crafts activities.
- Activities with soft toys, action figures and/or dolls.
- Word or sentence scrambles.
- Puzzles, including cross word puzzles and word searches.
- Reading aloud.
Speech, language and swallowing difficulties can be frustrating for both patient and his family, speech therapy is a best and effective treatment for the patient.
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