Q&A

Speech and Feeding

Here are some frequently asked questions about speech and feeding therapy.

Speech Therapy

Who Is It for?

Can help with a wide range of issues, including speech sound delays, language skills, reading comprehension, social skills, and difficulties with eating and swallowing.

Adults:

Can address communication or swallowing issues acquired later in life due to stroke, brain injury, or progressive neurological conditions like Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis.

What To expect in Therapy?

Initial evaluation:

The first visit involves discussing concerns and may include a mini-assessment to determine the current skills and needs.
Tailored plan:

Based on the evaluation, a personalized plan is created with specific goals, which are regularly reviewed and modified.
Therapy sessions:

Sessions typically last 30 minutes and may involve a variety of activities designed based off of the targeted goals.
Parental involvement:

For children, parents are often encouraged to participate in the last 5 minutes of speech sessions to learn how to support their child's progress at home.

What Common Disorders Are Treated?

Apraxia: Difficulty in planning and coordinating the muscle movements for speech.
Dysarthria: Weakness in the muscles that control speech.
Dysphagia: Difficulties with the process of swallowing.
Voice disorders: Issues with voice quality or hoarseness.
Stuttering: A fluency disorder that affects the rhythm of speech.
Literacy difficulties: Help with reading and writing, as there is a close link between spoken and written language.
Articulation Disorders: Difficulty with the physical production of specific speech sounds, leading to errors like substituting, omitting, distorting, or adding sounds in words.
Phonological Disorders: when a person has a pattern of errors in sound rules.
Expressive Language disorder: Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings through spoken or written language.
Receptive Language Disorder: Difficulty understanding spoken or written language.

How Long Will I need Therapy?

The duration of speech therapy is highly individual and depends on the specific goals, the individual's response to therapy, and consistent follow-through at home.
Some children may reach their goals in a short time, while others may take longer.
Consistent attendance and at-home practice can improve effectiveness and may shorten the overall length of treatment.