Speech/Language Therapy

Speech/Language therapy is traditionally used to treat articulation difficulties, fluency disorders such as stuttering, and challenges with the development and/or production of speech.  It can assist with the improved regulation of the pitch, volume or quality of voice. Speech therapy also typically addresses difficulties with the basic understanding of language and/or expression of needs (e.g., the manipulation and combination of words), for those who have at least some verbal skills. 

A Speech Language Pathologist's role is to work in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to provide direct, indirect and consultation services. Services also include conducting functional communication evaluations and helping to ensure that appropriate consideration of augmentative-alternative communication and assistive technology needs are provided to individual consumers as needed.

For indiviuals who have inadequate or limited verbal skills, or none at all, supplementation with training in how to use additional nonverbal communication strategies is critical. 

Nonverbal communication strategies include the use of idiosyncratic gestures, formal sign language, pictures or graphics (Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)), or computerized devices to convey thoughts and feelings. 

Lastly, a very important but less conventional function of speech therapy involves training in speech pragmatics, or how to use communication (verbal or nonverbal) to facilitate a social interaction.

If your loved one exhibits symptoms of autism or another neurodevelopmental disability, please contact your family care physician or the Center for Autism.