Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders. It is performed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), which are commonly known as speech therapists.
Speech therapy techniques are used to improve communication. These include articulation therapy, language activities and others depending on the type of speech or language problem.
Speech therapy may be needed for Speech Pathology that develop in childhood or impairments in adults caused by an injury or illness, such as a brain injury or an episode of stroke.
What happens during Speech Therapy?
For your child, speech therapy may take place in our dental centre in small groups, or one-on-one, depending on the child’s speech difficulty.
Various sets of speech exercises and activities depending on your child’s disorder, age, and needs are carried out. During speech therapy for children, the SLP may:
- Interact through talking and playing, and using books, pictures other objects as part of language intervention
- Model correct sounds and syllables for a child
- Provide homework for the child and parent on how to do speech related exercises and activities at home
How long does the child need therapy?
The duration and length of the therapy depends on several factors, some of which include:
- underlying medical condition
- frequency of session
- child’s age
- type and severity of the speech pathology
How successful is speech therapy in children?
The success rate of speech therapy varies depending on the severity of the speech pathology being treated and age groups.
Speech therapy for young children is most successful when started early and practiced at home with the involvement of family.