Speech Therapy Visit

Speech therapy is a service that works to improve a person's ability to understand and use language. Often, the therapy helps children who are delayed in their ability to use language, but adults may need speech therapy as well.

Experts called speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, provide speech therapy services. More informally, they are called speech therapists. Speech-language pathologists are specially trained and have earned at least a master's degree in the field. They are also required to be licensed in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Many speech-language pathologists are also certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Speech therapy can help when a child — or sometimes an adult — has a language disorder or is having any of a wide range of speech and language issues. Therapy can help with:

• stuttering
• articulation problems
• apraxia of speech: when a child has neurological issues that means they can't produce the mouth movements to say what they want to say
• delayed ability to understand spoken and written language
• difficulty in using words verbally, including vocabulary
• communications skills relating to attention, memory, ability to problem solve
• aspects of tone of voice
• swallowing disorders
• feeding disorders
• language expression for people who are hearing impaired

Speech therapists evaluate a person's language problems and recommend a treatment plan that can help.

A therapist might:

• interact with a child by playing and talking, and use books, pictures or other objects to help a child's language development
• use sound production exercises to show a child how to make certain sounds
• use alternative ways to communicate -- computers and iPads, for example -- to spur language development
• use oral exercises to strengthen mouth muscles if someone is having issues with swallowing, eating or drinking

Many speech therapists work within schools or for school districts, so they often work with teachers on instruction plans that can help with language development.

If your baby does not respond to sound or isn't vocalizing at all, he or she should be seen by a doctor.

But there might be less noticeable problems, and early intervention is important. Things you might watch for include:

• if by 12 months, your child isn't using gestures like pointing or waving goodbye
• if by 18 months, he or she more often uses gestures rather than vocalizations to communicate
• if by 18 months, he or she has difficulty imitating sounds
• if by 2 years, your child doesn't use words on his or her own, but only imitates sounds
• if at 2 years, your child has a nasal sounding or otherwise unusual voice tone
• if by 4 years old, most people can understand what the child is saying

Delayed speech is often caused by hearing problems. That's why a first step for language concerns is for your child to be seen by an audiologist, to test your child's hearing.

Your child might also have impairments related to the tongue, the fold beneath the tongue (called the frenulum) or the roof of the mouth.

Speech therapists often work in public schools. Your child's doctor, teacher or others at the school might also have suggestions for other private speech therapists.

You generally don’t need a referral from a doctor to see a speech therapist.

If your child is between 3 and 5, you can contact the special education services department of your local school district. Local school districts help with speech therapy services for children 3 years and older, until the child graduates from high school.

If you’re interested in a private speech pathologist for children or for adults, there are a few considerations to think about when making your choice.

Speech therapists who are happy to share their credentials: The American Speech-Language Hearing Association certifies speech language pathologists. Speech therapists also should be willing to give you other details about their education and background

Speech therapists whose schedule fits your own, or your child's: Children especially often do better in speech therapy sessions earlier in the day. Make sure you understand your therapists normal schedule and that it fits with yours or your child's.

Has experience with your age group or the age of your child: Therapy can vary significantly by age. You want to make sure your therapist has the experience that can best help you or your child.

Has an open and positive attitude: Speech therapy can be very difficult. It's important you find a therapist who can be always positive, and knows how to celebrate small successes.

Stays up to date on developments in speech therapy: Speech therapists must complete continuing education to remain certified. But check to see that the therapist routinely seeks new knowledge and professional development.

Some insurance companies cover some speech therapy services. Others do not. You'll want to check coverage with your insurance company.

Sources:
https://www.asha.org/Students/Speech-Language-Pathologists/
https://www.parents.com/kids/development/learning-disabilities/what-is-speech-therapy/
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/speech-therapy.html
https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-speech-therapy-1192153