Speech and Language Therapy

What is it image

What is it?

Information
  • Improves communication skills and language development.
  • Addresses speech disorders and language delays.
  • Supports cognitive-communication and swallowing difficulties.
  • Tailors interventions to individual communication needs.

Here's more detail

Published: 05/09/24

Description

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) play a crucial role in improving the lives of both children and adults who face challenges with communication, eating, drinking, or swallowing. They assess and treat a wide range of issues related to speech, language, and communication, helping individuals of all ages communicate more effectively. SLTs also focus on addressing eating and swallowing difficulties, creating personalised plans to support each person’s unique needs.

Using their specialised skills, SLTs work closely with clients and their caregivers to provide tailored support. They collaborate with teachers, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to develop comprehensive treatment programs. This teamwork ensures that each individual receives the most effective care and support to enhance their overall quality of life.

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quote

So many of us take our ability to communicate for granted. Communication is fundamental to people’s mental health and wellbeing.

- Max Elswood, Speech and Language Therapist

max Elswood

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A quarter of speech and language

therapists primarily work in schools

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  • What does a speech and language therapist do?

    Speech and language therapists (SLT) provide treatment, support and care for people of all ages who have difficulties with speech, language, communication, eating, drinking and swallowing.

    Using specialist skills, SLTs work directly with clients and their carers to assess, treat and provide them with tailored support.

    They also work closely with teachers and other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, other allied health professionals and psychologists to develop individual treatment programmes.

    Speech and language therapy and mental health

    Speech and language therapy for mental health problems may include assessments, reviews, reports, therapy programmes, groups, training, advice and education..

  • What can speech and language therapy help with?

    Speech and language therapists assist individuals of all ages with various communication, eating, and swallowing challenges.

    Support for babies and children 
    SLTs support infants and children facing issues such as feeding and swallowing difficulties. They work with children who have:

    • Autism or social interaction challenges
    • Cleft palate
    • Dyslexia
    • Hearing impairments
    • Speech fluency issues
    • Language delays or disorders
    • Learning difficulties (mild to severe)
    • Physical disabilities
    • Selective mutism
    • Specific sound production issues
    • Stammering
    • Voice disorders

    Support for adults
    SLTs also help adults with communication and swallowing problems, particularly those caused by neurological impairments and degenerative conditions, such as:

    • Stroke
    • Brain injury
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Dementia
    • Head and neck cancer
    • Hearing impairments
    • Learning disabilities
    • Mental health issues
    • Physical disabilities
    • Stammering
    • Voice disorders

    Speech and language therapy and mental health

    Speech and language therapists (SLTs) address communication challenges that impact emotional well-being. They enhance communication skills for individuals who struggle to express their thoughts and feelings due to mental health conditions. This can help reduce frustration and improve social interactions.

    SLTs also help manage cognitive-communication issues, such as memory and attention problems, which are crucial for daily functioning and mental health. They also support emotional expression by providing strategies for more effective verbal communication and work on improving social skills to reduce isolation and build supportive relationships. 

  • What training does a speech and language therapist have?

    Speech and language therapists have a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). 

Professional body

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy

 is the professional body for SLTs in the UK
speech and language
I think I was more embarrassed about going to speech therapy. I really thought it would be a humiliating experience, but I summoned up the courage and took the plunge. I'm so glad I did. The therapist was very understanding and put me at ease right away. The sessions were actually enjoyable and I've seen a real improvement in my speech. I wish I had done this years ago.
Anonymous

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