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Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language therapy is concerned with the identification, assessment and support of speech, language, communication and swallowing needs of children, young people and adults. Speech and language therapy is the process of enabling people to communicate to the best of their ability.
Speech and Language Therapists (SLT)
Speech–language therapists/pathologists are professionals educated in the study of human communication, how it develops and the many differences and difficulties that children and adults experience. Speech and language therapists assess the nature of the client’s problem, and then provide treatment, advice and support. They also work closely with families, carers and members of other professions including doctors, physiotherapists and teachers.
Some speech and language therapists also work with people who have eating and swallowing difficulties, as well as communication problems. Communication difficulties refer to challenges with speaking, understanding and/or using language, listening, social skills, stuttering, reading, writing and using voice. Speech pathologists also help people who have difficulties eating and drinking safely. Most speech and language therapists work in NHS hospitals or clinics but some work in independent practice, in research and education, or in schools.
People Who Benefit from Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language therapy benefits people of all ages, for example:
Where Speech and Language Therapist Work:
Speech and language therapists work together with children, adults, families, carers and the wider workforce, to carry out assessments and plan personalised therapy programmes which meet each individual’s communication and swallowing needs.
They work in wide variety of contexts and environments including:
There are approximately 12,500 practising SLTs in the UK. The National Health Service employs the majority of SLTs; however, increasing numbers work wholly or partly in education or for charities, while a number work independently and treat patients privately (as well as other areas).
How can a speech pathologist help?
Speech pathologists can support people in the following areas:
Communication Problems in School
A child may have gotten help for speech or language problems before he started school. Problems may be noticed when he starts school. A child may have trouble with:
A child may have speech or language problems. He may not be able to do grade-level work. He may have trouble reading, writing, and spelling. He may not understand social cues, like what a person means when he nods or looks away as you speak. He may have trouble taking tests and may not want to go to school.
The school SLT sees the child. A child may get referred to a child study team for testing. The SLT may be a part of this team, along with teachers, special education teachers, a psychologist, or others. The SLT will test the child’s speech and language skills and decide if the child needs treatment.
A child may get speech and language services alone or in a small group. The SLT may go into a child’s classroom and work with his teacher. The SLT will work with the child on what she is learning in class. The goal of speech and language services is to help the child do well in school. The SLT will work as part of a team that makes sure that the child gets the services she needs.
Responsibilities of a Speech Therapist
Speech therapists are members of the allied healthcare team. They work closely with doctors, nurses, and other therapists to diagnose problems and develop a treatment plan.
Speech therapists may perform various tests to determine the person’s deficits or language limitations. For example, they may perform swallow evaluations on a stroke or brain injured patient to make sure they won’t choke on food or liquids. Therapists may also administer various standardized tests to identify neurological problems, which may be interfering with speech or language.
After they have made a diagnosis, speech therapists develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may include teaching patients exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles and helping patients improve sounds and pronunciation of letters and words. In some instances, speech therapists teach patients how to use alternative methods of communication, such as sign language.