Speech Therapy Presented by Abigail Atiwag Speech therapy also known as speech language pathology is a healthcare profession focused on evaluating diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders Speech therapists work with individuals of all ages to improve their ability to communicate effectively and to address difficulties with speech language voice fluency and swallowing Here are key aspects and topics related to speech therapy Communication Disorders Study various communication disorders including speech disorders articulation phonology apraxia of speech dysarthria language disorders expressive language receptive language pragmatics voice disorders hoarseness vocal nodules vocal cord dysfunction fluency disorders stuttering cluttering and swallowing disorders dysphagia Speech and Language Assessment Conduct comprehensive speech and language assessments standardized tests clinical observations case history interviews and communication evaluations to identify speech and language difficulties determine diagnostic impressions establish baseline abilities and develop individualized treatment plans Speech and Language Therapy Techniques Use evidence based therapy techniques and interventions to address speech and language disorders Techniques may include articulation therapy phonological therapy oral motor exercises language stimulation activities augmentative and alternative communication AAC strategies fluency shaping techniques voice therapy exercises and swallowing therapy protocols Early Intervention and Pediatric Speech Therapy Provide early intervention services for infants toddlers and young children with speech and language delays or disorders Focus on speech development language acquisition communication skills social interaction play based therapy parent education and family involvement in therapy School Based Speech Therapy Collaborate with educators school administrators and parents to provide speech and language services in educational settings Address speech and language difficulties impacting academic performance literacy skills social communication classroom participation and individualized education plans IEPs for students with special needs Adult Speech Therapy Work with adults and older adults to address speech and language challenges related to neurological conditions stroke traumatic brain injury Parkinson s disease multiple sclerosis degenerative disorders dementia Alzheimer s disease voice disorders vocal nodules vocal cord paralysis fluency disorders and swallowing difficulties Voice Therapy and Voice Disorders Assess and treat voice disorders affecting vocal quality pitch loudness vocal stamina vocal nodules vocal cord dysfunction vocal fold paralysis laryngeal disorders and professional voice users singers actors teachers Provide voice therapy exercises vocal hygiene education resonance training and strategies for vocal health Fluency Therapy and Stuttering Treatment Provide fluency therapy for individuals with stuttering or fluency disorders Use techniques such as stuttering modification fluency shaping slow speech techniques desensitization strategies cognitive behavioral therapy CBT approaches and confidence building exercises to improve fluency and reduce stuttering behaviors Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC Evaluate and implement AAC systems for individuals with complex communication needs who cannot rely on verbal speech alone Use AAC devices communication boards speech generating devices apps visual supports symbols gestures sign language and communication strategies to enhance communication abilities Swallowing Therapy and Dysphagia Management Assess and treat swallowing disorders dysphagia affecting oral pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing Provide swallowing therapy exercises oral motor exercises diet modifications swallowing strategies compensatory techniques and collaborate with healthcare teams for dysphagia management Cognitive Communication Therapy Address cognitive communication impairments in individuals with neurological conditions traumatic brain injury dementia or cognitive deficits Focus on attention memory problem solving executive functioning language comprehension cognitive linguistic skills and compensatory strategies for cognitive difficulties Multicultural and Multilingual Speech Therapy Provide culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse speech therapy services for individuals from diverse backgrounds ethnicities languages and communication styles Consider cultural norms communication differences bilingualism code switching and culturally relevant interventions in speech therapy Telepractice and Digital Speech Therapy Use telepractice and digital platforms to deliver speech therapy services remotely conduct virtual assessments provide online therapy sessions use telehealth technologies collaborate with remote teams and offer telepractice solutions for clients in rural areas home based settings or during times of limited access to in person services Professional Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Care Collaborate with healthcare professionals physicians neurologists audiologists psychologists occupational therapists physical therapists educators caregivers and other members of interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care coordinate treatment plans share progress reports and optimize outcomes for clients receiving multidisciplinary services Continuing Education and Evidence Based Practice Engage in continuing education professional development clinical supervision peer consultation evidence based practice research in speech language pathology participation in conferences workshops seminars and staying updated with advances in speech therapy techniques technologies and best practices Speech therapists play a vital role in helping individuals improve their communication skills overcome speech and language challenges enhance swallowing function achieve functional independence and improve their quality of life They work across diverse settings including hospitals clinics schools rehabilitation centers nursing homes private practices telepractice platforms and community based organizations to deliver effective speech therapy services tailored to the unique needs of each client THANK YOU