Speech and Language Pathology
Speech and language pathology professionals – speech-language pathologists (SLPs), or informally speech therapists, specialise in treating communication disorders as well as swallowing disorders. According to MindDisorders.com, speech and language pathology, also known as speech therapy to some, is “the treatment for the improvement or cure of communication disorders, including speech, language and swallowing disorders”. The term used to describe specialists in this discipline is speech and language pathologist (SLP) or speech pathologist.
Who and Why
Many people, young and old, struggle with various types of speech problems, including stuttering, stammering, lisps, autism spectrum disorder and many more. Though the original cause of many disorders cannot be determined, the majority of these individuals were born with their specific difficulty; however, it is also possible to develop speech problems later in life, often due to a traumatic experience or event.
Some people are never fully able to overcome their speech disorders, no matter how much therapy they undergo or how many professionals they see, though they will almost always see some improvement. Although this is a rare occasion, as most people are able to nearly fully correct their speaking problems by way of appropriate speech therapy.
What to Do Next
When a person develops a speech disorder, it is often very concerning. At times, these problems are even embarrassing, especially at an older age. There is one advantage of this later onset, though. Adults can often identify a problem and seek help promptly.
Fortunately, there are a range of resources available that can help those who need speech therapy. In this process, an individual will meet with a speech pathologist. These specialists are highly trained in the area of corrective speech processes and can generally help almost anyone overcome his or her speaking difficulty.
Hope
Sometimes living with a speech difficulty can make an individual feel alone or blue. This should not be the case. There is always hope and although it may not be easy, almost every speech problem can be overcome with time, patience and a little bit of practice.
Results focused speech therapy for speech and language pathology
Our speech pathologists are Speech Pathology Australia members. If you have questions about a lisp or other difficulties with speech, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a speech pathologist. If you need to see a speech therapist for speech and language pathology in Sydney, Contact us today!
