Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) specialize in evaluation and treatment of a variety of conditions including communication disorders, swallowing difficulties and cognition deficits. They are able to assist clients overcome and maximize areas of speech sounds & voice, language, literacy, social communication, fluency, cognition and feeding & swallowing. The speech language pathologist will provide education and intervention to facilitate health lifestyle practices in order to promote full participation in household and community activities. They will also coordinate with Occupational Therapy to improve memory and judgement skills during activities of daily living and self care.
What to expect
- Initial evaluation will consist of a thorough examination to determine your needs and identify the best course of treatment
- If appropriate, a swallow examination will be performed along with a referral for an in depth swallow study
- Exercises will be performed to improve problem solving and cognitive communication as well as organization and memory
- Strengthening exercises targeting the oral muscles
- Education on conversational strategies to improve communication and breathing exercises
- Caregiver or family training
- Personalized home exericse plan to continue independently or with caregiver assistance
Who will benefit from speech therapy
- Stroke, brain injury and learning disability
- Dementia and impaired cognition or memory
- Swallowing difficulties and frequent aspiration
- Difficulty with word recall or expressive aphasia
- Stuttering or dysarthria
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Autism & Down Syndrome
- Hearing loss
- Cleft palate