Speech and language therapy assists individuals who may be experiencing challenges related to speech, language and communication as well as feeding and literacy difficulties. Literature indicates that this form of therapy is effective when interaction with clients is paired with language stimulation and the provision of strategies which may be implemented across a variety of settings. The provider of speech therapy is known as a Speech and Language Pathologist, also known as a Speech Therapist. The therapist assesses the individual to successfully provide research-based treatment whilst also providing the required support and care to both clients and their caregivers. Whilst evaluating the client, the Speech and Language Pathologist is also responsible for collaboration with other entities such as the child’s school in order to ensure holistic support. When working with children, speech and language therapy often involves play-based activities, the best learning channel in the early years. In the case of adults, assessments related to possible difficulties brought about by trauma or other neurogenic disorders are carried out in order to plan the course of treatment.
The benefits of speech therapy:
- Speech and language therapy may reduce the individual’s communication frustration and related behavioural difficulties brought about by challenges related to communicating needs, wants and ideas.
- It supports the right for every individual to communicate through the provision of alternative methods of communication when required – Such as the use of devices which support communication.
- It promotes the development of conversational skills which results in improved interaction with others.
- It may boost the individual’s confidence whilst reducing anxiety related to inaccurate speech production or other communication difficulties.
- Speech and language therapy improves cognitive development through the cognitive-based strategies which are implemented since speech and communication are closely tied to cognition.
- Spoken and written language are tightly linked together and therefore, intervention related to speech and language development promotes improved literacy skills including reading and writing skills.
If you think you can benefit from speech and language therapy, you can book an appointment here.
Kirby Cutajar is a Speech and Language Pathologist within the Willingness team. She has a special interest in working with children who may be experiencing speech, language, and communication difficulties. She aims to develop a communication system that works for every unique individual whilst working closely with caregivers to encourage effective implementation of intervention.