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SPEECH THERAPY (ST)

What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy (ST) covers all aspects of communication and swallowing including speech production, fluency, language, cognition, voice, resonance, feeding, swallowing, and hearing.

What does all that mean?

Let’s break it down! Here are some definitions and examples of all areas that speech therapy covers:

  • Speech Production & Articulation: How we say sounds and words
  • Fluency: The rhythm of our speech (i.e. stuttering)
  • Voice: How we use our vocal cords and breath to make sounds (i.e. pitch, volume, etc.)
  • Language: The words we use and how we use them to share ideas and get what we want
  • Cognition: Includes attention, memory, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making
  • Resonance: The result of the transfer of sound produced by the vocal folds through the vocal tract
  • Hearing: Refers to partial or total inability to hear
  • Feeding: The process involving any aspect of eating or drinking
  • Swallowing: A complex process during which saliva, liquids, and foods are transported from the mouth into the stomach while keeping the airway protected

Reference: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Can ST work on feeding?

Feeding is a complex skill that involves every sensory system as well as extensive oral motor control and awareness. Feeding therapy services can be delivered by a highly trained Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) or Occupational Therapist (OT), however, we often recommended having both types of therapists on your interdisciplinary team as each therapist approaches feeding from their own scope of practice allowing them to have a unique perspective on various feeding issues.

Does my child need ST?

Speech therapy examines a wide variety of skills and each child is unique in their own way which is why we strive to provide every client with an individualized plan of care. If your child is struggling at home or at school, please review our list of “Red Flags for ST” below to determine if now is the right time to seek out an ST referral. 

RED FLAGS FOR ST:

If your child is experiencing any of the following difficulties, please contact us for more information on how to get started with ST.

  • Poor Articulation of Sounds
  • Delayed Language Skills
  • Delayed Communication
  • Difficult to Understand
  • Mouth Breathing / Snoring
  • Seems Weak / Has Low Tone
  • Sensitivity to Toothbrushing
  • Poor Oral Motor Control
  • Extended Pacifier Use
  • History of Thumb Sucking
  • History of Hearing Loss
  • Stuttering or Hesitation of Speech
  • Hoarse Voice / Nasal Speech
  • Poor Memory
  • Difficulty with Problem Solving
  • Easily Distracted
  • Difficulty with Social Skills
  • Poor Turn Taking / Sharing
  • Unusual or Limited Play Skills
  • Seems Immature Compared to Peers
  • Poor Critical Thinking Skills
  • Needs Help with G-tube Weaning
  • Picky Eater
  • Difficulty Chewing Foods
  • Overstuffs Mouth with Foods
  • Mouths Non-Food Objects
  • Poor Weight Gain
  • History of Tongue, Lip or Cheek Tie
  • History of Cleft Lip or Palate
  • Frequent Gagging During Meals
  • Vomiting During / After Meals
  • Avoids New Foods or Utensils
  • Difficulty Drinking from a Straw or Cup