Speech therapy, also known as speech-language therapy or speech-language pathology, is a specialized field that focuses on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating individuals with communication disorders, speech difficulties, and swallowing disorders. Speech therapists, or speech-language pathologists, work with people of all ages, from infants to adults, who experience challenges in communication or swallowing function.
Speech therapy addresses a wide range of conditions and difficulties, including:
Articulation and Phonological Disorders: These involve difficulties producing speech sounds correctly or using sound patterns appropriately.
Language Disorders: These affect a person’s ability to understand or express language, including vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
Fluency Disorders: Conditions such as stuttering, characterized by disruptions or hesitations in speech flow.
Voice Disorders: Disorders affecting the quality, pitch, loudness, or resonance of the voice, often caused by vocal cord nodules, polyps, or misuse of the vocal mechanism.
Cognitive-Communication Disorders: Conditions resulting from brain injuries or neurological conditions, affecting memory, attention, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia): Difficulties in chewing and swallowing food and liquids safely and effectively.
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