Problems with communication are not uncommon and one of the best methods of dealing with this problem is with the help of a speech therapist. A speech therapist is also often referred to as a speech pathologist. In fact, the speech therapist is an allied health profession like optometry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioural analysis, etc. Speech therapy addresses the focal point of a patient’s ability to express themselves or to comprehend what is being communicated to them.

Some of the common reasons for speech disorders include an accident, an aftermath of a disease or as a result of a previous medical treatment. This article explains the types of speech disorders and common treatments attempted by a speech pathologist. It is a must-read for those in Helensvale searching for a medical centre.

What is a Speech Disorder?

A speech disorder is a person’s inability to form several sounds that ensure they can communicate effectively with other people. This is not necessarily the same as a language disorder. The main difference between a speech disorder and a language disorder is that a speech disorder affects one’s ability to form correct speech sounds. On the other hand, a language disorder is what affects one’s ability to learn, understand or speak certain words.

One of the popular speech disorders is stuttering and it happens to be quite common in children. One of the reasons for children to stutter is that their brains are finding it hard to process thousands of new words and sounds that they are introduced to. Stuttering can be defined as a disruption to the rhythm or flow of speech. Children who stutter often need to visit a speech therapist. Special treatment at a speech pathologist can help solve this issue. They use techniques like sound repetitions, phrase repetitions, etc.

Speech Therapy Treatments

Speech pathologists at a medical centre like the Upper Coomera medical centre use several special techniques for those suffering from speech disorders. It is necessary to thoroughly examine the patient prior to finding the root cause of the problem. Some of the treatments suggested include learning sign language as well as using communications devices. The treatment provided by the speech pathologist depends a great deal on the severity of the disorder. Some of the common treatment options include building familiarity with specific sounds, contextual utilization, contrast therapy, oral-motor therapy, ear device, medication, etc.

Types of Speech Disorders

Some of the common symptoms of stuttering include tension in the face, rapid blinking, lip tremors, etc. Development stuttering affects young children however, genetic factors are also at work sometimes. Neurogenic stuttering may occur to adults and this affects the brain preventing coordination in the brain section pertaining to the speech.

The medical condition Apraxia is also one that can be treated by a Speech Pathologist. Apraxia is a condition which affects one’s motor skills. It can affect any part of the body, however, Apraxia of speech refers to the problem with the motor skills that affect one’s speech ability.

A therapist can help with such an issue since the brain is mainly responsible for sending the signals to different structures of the body to perform necessary functions to make appropriate sounds. A brain can control the speech, the way it works is that most speech activity is mainly automatic and unconscious.

Dysarthria is another medical condition that can be treated by speech pathology. This condition involves a weakness in the face, lips, tongue, throat, or chest. This type of muscle weakness can affect a person’s speech ability. Some of the common symptoms include slurred speech, mumbling, soft or quiet speech, speaking too slow or too fast, or issues with moving the tongue or mouth.