Our Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent speech, language, cognitive-communicati on, behavior pragmatic language, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders.

Our Speech-language pathologists work primarily with children who cannot produce speech sounds, or cannot produce them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering; people with voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems understanding and producing language; those who wish to improve their communicati on skills by modifying an accent; and those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attenti on, memory, and problem solving disorders. They also work with children who have swallowing difficulties.

Speech, language, and swallowing difficulties can result from a variety of causes including stroke, brain injury or deterioration, developmental delays or disorders, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, voice pathology, mental retardation, hearing loss, or emotional problems. Problems can be congenital, developmental, or acquired. Speech-language pathologists use qualitative and quantitative assessment methods, including standardized tests, as well as special instruments, to analyze and diagnose the nature and extent of speech, language, and swallowing impairments. Our Speech-language pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each patient’s needs. For individuals with little or no speech capability, speech-language pathologists may implement methods used to teach children symbolic communicati on, including Picture Exchange Programs, automated devices and sign language, and teach their use. They teach these individuals how to make sounds, attend to others, improve their voices, or increase their oral or written language skills to communicate more effectively. They also teach children how to use their communication in social situations using incidental teaching and social skills classes and other specialized teaching techniques to insure mastery and generalization across settings. They also teach individuals how to strengthen muscles or use compensatory strategies to swallow without choking or inhaling food or liquid. Speech-language pathologists help patients develop, or recover, reliable communicati on and swallowing skills so patients can fulfill their educational, vocational, and social roles.

Our Speech-language pathologists keep records on the initial evaluati on, progress, and discharge of clients. This helps pinpoint problems, tracks client progress, and justifies the cost of treatment when applying for reimbursement. They counsel individuals and their families concerning communication disorders and how to cope with the stress and misunderstanding that often accompany them. They also work with family members to recognize and change behavior patterns that impede communication and treatment and show them communication-enhancing techniques to use at home.