What is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy, also known as speech-language therapy or speech-language pathology, is a specialized form of therapy aimed at diagnosing and treating communication and speech disorders.
Here's what Speech Therapy involves:
Assessment: Speech therapists begin by assessing individuals to identify speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They evaluate factors affecting communication, swallowing, breathing, tongue thrust and sleeping/snoring. Oral myofunctional disorders are a major focus.
Diagnosis: Based on the assessment, speech therapists diagnose the specific disorder and its underlying causes. This step helps tailor treatment plans.
Treatment Planning: Speech therapists create personalized treatment plans for each individual. These plans are designed to address the diagnosed disorder and may include a range of therapeutic techniques.
Therapeutic Techniques: Speech therapy involves various techniques and exercises to improve communication skills. This may include articulation therapy to correct pronunciation, language therapy to enhance vocabulary and grammar, voice therapy for voice disorders, and fluency therapy to manage stuttering.
A special 7-week treatment program using oral myofunctional exercises for swallowing, breathing, tongue thrust and snoring has been developed at Asheville Speech that will probably not be offered by other speech therapists.
Snoring: Snoring is not normal for anyone. When sleeping, the lips should be closed to indicate nasal breathing and the tongue should be resting on the roof of the mouth.
Voice and Swallowing: Speech therapists also work with individuals who have voice disorders, helping them achieve clear and healthy vocal production. Additionally, they assist individuals with swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, to improve their ability to eat and drink safely.
Counseling and Education: Speech therapists provide counseling and education to individuals and their families to help them understand the condition, treatment goals, and strategies for better communication, swallowing, breathing and sleeping.
Progress Monitoring: Throughout the therapy process, speech therapists monitor progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed to achieve the best outcomes.
Conditions Treated: Asheville Speech addresses a wide range of conditions, including swallowing disorders, mouth breathing, tongue thrust, dysfluency and sleeping disorders.
In summary, speech therapy involves assessment, diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, therapeutic techniques, and ongoing support to help individuals of all ages enhance their communication skills and quality of life.
Speech Therapy in Asheville and North Carolina - Contact Asheville Speech
Reach out to Janet Bennett, M.Ed., Speech Pathologist at (828) 285-8814 or use the contact form below. Janet works with both adults and children. She has over 40 years of experience. Therapy is available for symptoms that may not always be identified as problematic. However, they can result in medical issues. The cause must be treated to find a cure.