Who is Speech and Language Therapy for?
Speech and Language Therapy
- Speech, Language and Communication assessment is appropriate for any adult with a difficulty in this area. Following an assessment session, your Speech and Language Therapist will provide advice regarding the need for further intervention or appropriate onward referral.
- Communication Skills
- Some adults become aware that their communication is more difficult or stressful than they would expect. This issue can become apparent at important transition stages, such as entering higher education, interviewing for jobs or giving formal presentations.
At The Speech Clinic, we are able to provide a detailed assessment and recommendations for further intervention or onward referral. Speech and Language Therapists do not work on elocution, but we would be able to reassure you that this was the only issue and provide appropriate recommendations for further support. - Stammering
- A stammer can become a problem at specific times in adulthood, such as during job interviews or when giving formal presentations. If a stammer is problematic, then we can provide assessment and strategies to produce clear, fluent speech. These strategies can be mastered in clinic and then practised widely within the social and workplace environments. The Speech and Language Therapist can then provide periodic support sessions to review skills, troubleshoot difficulties and amend techniques as the speaker becomes increasingly proficient.
- Voice
- A hoarse voice quality can develop following overuse of the voice or strain in the vocal folds. In this instance, the GP will make a referral to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists at the hospital for further investigation to exclude malignancy. Following the ENT assessment, The Speech Clinic can provide therapy working on vocal hygiene and therapy techniques to improve functional voice use. This is particularly appropriate following the diagnosis of vocal nodules.
- Stroke
- Speech and Language Therapy is an important component of rehabilitation after a stroke, both while in hospital and at home. The NHS is usually able to provide services in hospital, so many families look for independent provision to run alongside NHS therapy when the person is discharged home.
An initial assessment provides information about the range of difficulties experienced and the areas of strength which remain intact. Therapy can then target improvement of lost skills as well as utilising current strengths to devise a functional communication system which reduces frustration and distress. Simple aids such as a communication book or letter-based word chart can be explored with the person in order to allow for the communication of basic wants and needs. Maximal improvement after a stroke occurs in the first few months, so intensive therapy can be provided at this time, which is then tailored down to weekly therapy as strategies are mastered and improvements are made. Where possible, we will deliver intensive blocks which involve the participation of all family members so that the person can communicate with their friends and family in order to improve their emotional well-being. - Acquired Brain Injury
- Following Acquired Brain Injury, we can provide assessment and therapy, ranging from Intensive Interaction and pre-verbal communication, through to comprehension of complex language and social communication skills.
Therapy sessions can be funded privately or through Case Managers or solicitors, depending upon the client's personal circumstances. - Parkinson's Disease
- The Speech and Language Therapist can provide assessment and therapy for patients with Parkinson's Disease, focusing upon areas of deficit and the production of intelligible speech. If necessary, additional strategies, such as communication aids, can be introduced to enable the person to engage in desired activities and meaningful interaction.
- Dementia
- The Speech and Language Therapist can provide assessment and therapy to maintain skills for people with deteriorating conditions such as Dementia. Therapy focuses upon maximising functional communication in order to reduce distress and facilitate enjoyable engagement with friends, family and carers.