SPEECH THERAPY

Speech therapy involves treating conditions that affect a person’s ability to communicate, eat, and/or swallow.  It is typically provided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), who, depending on the patient’s condition, may work with a psychologist, physiotherapist, or psychiatrist.

Speech therapy for seniors is often necessary when recovering from the debilitating events such as an head, face, or throat injury, or a stroke, brain tumor, brain hemorrhage, or neural disorder. It may be necessary to due to diseases impacting the nervous system (such as Parkinson’s) or loss of mental faculties (such as dementia).  Difficulty in swallowing my be due to stroke, pneumonia, changes in physical attributes (such as teeth,  gums, or shape of the mouth) , or even “dry mouth” from aging or as a side effect from taking medication.

Speech therapy for language disorders starts with determining the extent of the disorder, exploring the underlying cause, addressing the cause with the patient, and then using a variety of exercises to help the patient overcome the disorder.

Types and Causes of Speech Disorders that Speech Therapy can Address

Below are some of the most common types and causes of speech disorders that speech therapy can address.

Name Symptoms Common Causes Techniques
Aphasia Trouble finding the right word for thoughts, or speech is halting or unclear. Brain injury; brain tumor; stroke; brain hemorrhage Helping patient to concentrate in order to find the right words, as well as respond to verbal and vocal cues.
Apraxia Using words out of order and/or having trouble moving lips correctly to form words. Brain injury; brain tumor; stroke; brain hemorrhage Asking patient to repeat certain sounds, and then try to make those sounds into words. Asking the patient to speak slowly, at least at first, in order to make the words, or say them in the correct order.
Dysphagia Difficulty swallowing Stroke; bouts of pneumonia; changes in teeth, gums and shape of mouth; “dry mouth” from aging or as a side effect from taking medication. Recommending special positions for eating, certain foods, or modified utensils.
Dysarthria Slow rate of speech, speech that is mumbled, slurred, or hard to understand. Diseases impacting nervous system, such as Parkinson’s. Having patient work on tongue and lip movement, breathing techniques, and speaking more slowly to have time to form words.
Dementia Difficulty finding the right words, particularly the names of people.  Substituting incorrect words, or not finding the words at all. Loss of mental faculties with age. Teaching person to rely more on visual clues, simple words, familiar sounds, and so forth.

It is important to realize when thinking about speech that there are many functions that go into speech, including:

  • Speaking
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Comprehension
  • Attention
  • Memory
  • Visual processing
  • Problem-solving

Your speech therapist and you will work together to identify on which of these areas of speech you will need to work, and developing and carrying out the appropriate speech therapy exercises.

Sampling of Representative Speech Therapy Products

Below is a sampling of products and equipment that are designed to assist in speech therapy. Click on the links to find out more information, see other products selections, and if you like, to make a purchase from one of our providers.

Showing the single result

Show sidebar
Show 15 30 45
Clear filters
Compare

CreateFun Noun Flash Cards – 50 Educational Vocabulary Builder Picture Cards – 5 Learning Games – Toddlers, Preschool Teachers, Speech Therapy Materials and ESL Teaching Materials

$12.99
 
  • MASTER: Nouns and Categories. Ideal for Preschool Prep, Speech Therapy and ELL. Promote clear communication, conversation and development.
  • MODERN FLASHCARDS, Diverse Images, HD Quality Photos, Child and Adult Friendly.
  • IDEAL FOR Kids and Adults: Preschool Prep, Speech Therapy, ELL, Special Education PECS and ABA. With up to 25% more cards than other sets. 50 high quality flashcards 2 instructional cards! Whether you're a parent, teacher or therapist, use these pictures and words to promote clearer communication, critical thinking skills, conversation and reasoning for all ages.
  • IMPROVE YOUR STUDENTS understanding of matching items in the world around them, verbal and listening skills, English language and vocabulary development.
  • LARGE YET COMPACT: Will fit in your pocket! Comes with a wide selection of recognizable, everyday objects. Create games and promote easy learning out of the 5 starter teaching games!
 
Add to wishlist
Shop Now
Quick view