What is Speech and Language Pathology?

It is a healthcare field that specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing, and treating communication disorders, voice disorders, and swallowing disorders. Speech therapy is used to help improve deficits and teach strategies to patients so that they can overcome various communication barriers.

People of all ages who are suffering from aphasia, stuttering, articulation disorders, memory deficits, swallowing dysfunctions, feeding challenges, facial paralysis, language delays, auditory processing disorders, etc. can benefit from speech therapy.

What can cause speech disorders?

The symptoms of speech disorders vary on the severity of your condition and injury. It is possible to have multiple speech disorders that have many symptoms develop as well. Below are what can contribute to a variety of speech disorders:

• Hearing loss
• Dementia
• Muscle weakness
• Brain damage due to a stroke or head injury
• Cancer that affects the mouth or throat
• Diseases such as Huntington's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Physical problems in the root of the mouth
• Certain diagnosable conditions like autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy

What are the benefits of speech therapy?

It is never too early or too late to start speech therapy, and it is never too late to start working on improving your communication goals.

Speech is one of the main ways in which people communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with those around them. By working with a certified therapist at Dynamic, you will be able to have:

• Improved self-esteem
• Enhanced vocal quality
• Better swallowing functions
• Reduction of communication frustrations
• Improving intelligibility for listeners
• Improving social skills

What should I expect?

At Dynamic, you can expect to have our speech-language pathologists:

• Use different activities to strengthen weak muscles
• Help you improve language skills
• Help you improve your articulation (i.e. have your therapist model correct sounds and syllables)
• Model correct vocabulary and grammar and use repetition exercises
• Use baby sign language to improve communication between children and caregivers
• Consult with the family and provide effective at-home exercises that will help speed up recovery
• Receive an evaluation by one of our trained therapists upon your first visit
• Help you find time to work and practice the skills you learn in therapy

At Dynamic, we believe that speech therapy is the most efficient way to navigate your community and daily life with more confidence. Schedule an appointment today to get started.