A Glimpse of How We Can Help

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Articulation is characterized as speech sounds that we make using our tongue, teeth, and lips. When a disorder or delay occurs, one may have a difficult time saying certain speech sounds, making it difficult for those around them to understand. An individual can have 1 error, or multiple errors within their speech. 

An example may include a child saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit". This child demonstrates difficulty using the "r" sound correctly and replaces it with a "w" when talking. 

A speech and language pathologist is able to evaluate and treat those with suspected speech sound disorders to help them become better understood by others. 

Please visit the following site for more information: 

 Speech Sound Disorders: Articulation and Phonology 

Communication is comprised of 2 types of language: expressive and receptive. Expressive language refers to the language that we speak to other so they can understand us, while receptive language is the language we use to make sure we understand others. If an individual has difficulty using words to effectively communicate wants and needs, there may be an expressive communication delay or disorder. If an individual has a hard time understanding directions or statement from another person, they have a receptive language delay or disorder. These often coincide and can co-occur. Many times, receptive language is stronger than expressive language. 

A speech and language pathologist can help with language delays. They are able to evaluate and treat individuals to help them gain critical skills within communication to become effective communicators. 

More information can be found on the following site:

 How Do You Know When it’s a Language Delay Versus a Disorder? 

Fluency refers to continuity, smoothness, rate, and effort in speech production. When a fluency concern is present in speech, it can make it difficult for the speaker to effectively communicate wants, needs, thoughts, and knowledge. It can also be difficult for the individual to use certain words and sounds in a way that allows them to get their entire message across effectively and efficiently. 

While there is not a treatment or a cure for stuttering, there are therapeutic approaches that minimize stuttering and the impact it has on the persons communication. 

More information can be found on the following site:

 Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency  

Aphasia occurs when an individual endures a stroke or trauma to the brain. This can affect an individual expression, comprehension, written language, and reading comprehension. Aphasia will often vary in severity and type depending on the individual and the stroke characteristics and location. 

A speech therapist can help re-gain skills or compensate for communication changes to allow individuals to effectively communicate with those around them. 

More information can be found on the following site:

 Aphasia 

A cognitive communication deficit occurs when there is reduced awareness and difficulty initiating conversation to effectively communicate wants and needs. Some may have reduced awareness of their impairments and its degree. There may be a reduction in memory, judgment, and ability to exchange routine information. Attention span is often shorter, and it is difficult to maintain attention or stay on topic. During conversation, it may be difficult for them to stay on topic or respond appropriately during conversational turns. Following simple directions may be difficult and comprehension may be affected. The main functions that may be affects in cognitive impairments are attention, memory, perception, insight and judgment, organization, orientation, and language. 

A speech therapist can help regain and compensate for cognitive deficits in skilled speech therapy. 

See the following site for more information: 

 Cognitive-Communication Referral Guidelines for Adults 

Voice impairments occur when there is vocal fold damage, obstructions, or trauma. Etiologies can range from environmental factors to illnesses and trauma to our vocal mechanism. When the voice is affected, an individual may sound harsh, raspy, or strained when trying to communicate verbally. It can impact the quality, pitch, and loudness of voice.

A speech and language therapist can provide skilled speech therapy services to regain vocal quality and educate on vocal hygiene. 

See the following site for more information: 

 Voice Disorders 

Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) can be implemented when an individual is not getting all needs met by typical verbal communication for daily communication. AAC can be used for all ages. Many forms of AAC, including low tech (i.e. picture icons or picture boards), mid tech (i.e. communication board with auditory feedback), and high tech (i.e. iPad) can be implemented based on patient needs and what works best for them. AAC often involves adding communication modalities to aid in effective communication across environments. 

Speech therapists can evaluate and treat those with complex communication needs to help identify and teach clients and families to implement the best treatment plan for effective communication. 

See the following site for more information:

 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)