Speech therapy can correct many language and communication related problems that are caused by a variety of conditions. Some of the specific disorders that are treated by speech therapists are:
Speech therapists also work with children who have speech, language and communication problems due to other conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Development Disorder, Learning Disorders and Auditory Processing Disorder. Additionally, speech, language and communication problems caused by other medical conditions, injury, and congenital problems are treated by speech therapists. There are many symptoms of speech problems that can be assessed and treated in speech therapy. Some examples of these are:
Participation in Speech Therapy
Speech therapists will conduct a comprehensive initial evaluation. Some examples of what this assessment can include are: information about the medical history of the child and family, the reasons for having been referred to therapy, the intellectual ability and academic performance of the child, results of testing that has been done, and how the child functions daily at home and in school. Additional testing specific to speech, language and communication problems are common. Some further testing may be done by other professionals such as physicians and psychologists as well as by the speech therapist. These tests typically evaluate such abilities as the understanding of language, how speech is produced, reading, spelling, writing, auditory processing, memory and attention to the various elements of language. At times, children will require physical examination of the mouth, tongue and throat to evaluate swallowing and other oral abilities (Lof, 2003).
Therapy sessions are typically individual sessions with the child alone and face-to-face with the therapist although some group sessions are done when treating certain problems. Typically, the child is asked to say specific words or sounds and may be recorded. Sessions frequently involve repetitive exercises in which the child will learn and practice the skills needed for improved speech, language and communication skills. Speech therapists that work with children will often incorporate games, puppets, colorful materials and rewards to better hold the child’s interest. Sessions may include some touching of the face and mouth in order to help the child learn particular movements of the lips or mouth and, at times, mirrors are used to better understand such movements. Similarly, the therapist will make movements of the lips, mouth and tongue that the child will be asked to imitate. There are also aids that some children may have to use that ‘train’ and assist speech such as a positioner device that is similar to a tongue depressor. Other aids may be electronic devices or computer-based training systems for children with severe speech problems (Melfi & Garrison, 2008).
The Impact of Speech Therapy upon Children and Families
Many children regard speech therapy as ‘school’ because of the intense focus and repetition of ‘lessons’. Consequently, some will resist attending sessions although speech therapists incorporate many techniques to make sessions more playful and enjoyable. Children who are timid or withdrawn may find the ‘intimacy’ of sessions uncomfortable. Similarly, children who are sensitive to touch, or become frustrated easily, may find speech therapy sessions stressful. Families whose children resist attending sessions will have to find ways to encourage and support the child’s participation. Further, many families will be asked to have children practice techniques at home and will have to incorporate new routines into the daily schedule. Typically, over time, the child will develop a relationship with the therapist that reduces the stress and resistance of attending sessions. Additionally, the gains made in speech therapy can have many positive effects in school performance and relationships with peers. Children who consistently attend speech therapy sessions make significant gains that boost confidence and self-esteem, improve academic performance, enhance daily coping skills and age-appropriate development. Further, the social stigma that many children with speech, language and communication problems experience can be debilitating. Speech therapy can eliminate that social barrier for many children.
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
Lof, G. (2003). Oral motor exercises and treatment outcomes. Perspectives on Language Learning and Education 10 (1) , 7-11.
Melfi, R., & Garrison, S. (2008, April 23). Communication Disorders. Retrieved April 12, 2009, from Medscape: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_mentalhealth/commdis.cfm