Speech and language disorders caused by illness or injury may impair expression, comprehension, sound production and articulation. Difficulties with swallowing may also occur, especially following stroke, laryngeal cancer, head injury or Parkinson’s disease. The inability to swallow or to communicate is extremely frustrating, but those functions can be restored through an aggressive therapy program. Because the greatest progress is made early on in the treatment of these disorders, the therapist works quickly and thoroughly with any patient requiring speech therapy. Difficulties overcome through speech therapy include aphasia, apraxia, dysphagia, and other articulation disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. The rehabilitation process centers on restoring as much of the original ability to communicate as possible.
In summary, Speech/Language Pathologists focus on effective communication, cognitive skill, and swallowing abilities through: assistive communication devices, muscle retraining, diet modifications and specialized feeding techniques.