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Speech therapy (also called Speech & Language Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology) is the rehabilitative or corrective treatment of physical and/or cognitive deficits/disorders resulting in difficulty with communication and/or swallowing. Communication includes speech (articulation, intonation, rate, intensity), language (phonology, (morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics) both receptive and expressive language, (including reading and writing) and the non-verbal such as facial expression and gesture. Swallowing problems managed under Speech Therapy are problems in the oral, laryngeal, and/or pharyngeal stages of swallowing (not oesophageal). Depending on the nature and severity of the disorder, common treatments may range from physical strengthening exercises, instructive or repetitive practice and drilling, to the use of audio-visual aids and introduction of strategies to facilitate 'functional' communication. Speech therapy may also include sign language and the use of picture symbols (Diehl 2003). Speech therapists are also trained to assess, treat and manage swallowing difficulties.
Speech therapists Speech Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), or Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are allied health professionals. Health Services employ most SLTs. Other therapists work for education services or charities. Some therapists work independently and treat patients privately. Speech Therapists hold certificates to practice following a degree course and clinical training. In the United States, SLPs must complete a master's degree, which includes suppervised clinical practice in the areas of assessment and intervention for adults and children in speech (fluency, voice, articulation, phonology) and language. In the UK therapists can choose to extend their qualifications by completing a masters degree. Patients / Clients Speech and language therapists work with: If a child is younger than three years old, then the cost of speech therapy is likely covered by the state early intervention (zero to three) program. Place of work Speech and language therapists work in community health centres, hospital wards and outpatient departments, mainstream and special schools, further education colleges, day centres and in their clients' homes. Some now work in courtrooms, prisons and young offenders' institutions. Some speech and language therapists who work independently will see children and adults in their own homes, and may offer appointments on a Saturday. Colleagues SLTs/SLPs work closely with others involved with the client, for example difficulties with eating and drinking may also involve an occupational therapist. Speech and language therapists also work closely with parents and caregivers and other professionals, such as teachers, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists and doctors. See also | ||||||||
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