What is Speech and Language Therapy?

Speech and language therapy is a therapeutic approach used in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention of communication disorders. It assists individuals in improving their communication and language skills. Speech and language therapy can be applied to both adults and children, addressing various speech problems and communication disorders such as speech repetitions and partial speech loss due to brain damage. The therapy encompasses the rehabilitation of swallowing, speech, language, and communication disorders and should be administered by specialized therapists.

What Are Communication Disorders?

Communication refers to the verbal or non-verbal behavior that facilitates the transfer of information, emotions, and thoughts between individuals. Communication disorders affect the ability to perceive, receive, process, and comprehend the concepts or symbols necessary for communication. These disorders may include difficulties in understanding language, speech, social cues, facial expressions, gestures, or emotional perception. Communication disorders are generally categorized into five groups (DSM-V).

Language Disorder:

Difficulty in understanding and using spoken, written, or sign language.

Speech Sound Disorder:

Difficulty in producing speech sounds that hinder effective communication or make understanding challenging.

Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (Stuttering):

A communication disorder characterized by disruptions in speech fluency, such as repetitions of sounds and syllables, prolongation of sounds, interjections, breaking words into parts, vocal or silent blocks, finding alternative words to avoid difficult ones, tension during speech, and repeating single-syllable words.

Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder:

Difficulty in understanding and using verbal and non-verbal communication for social purposes.

Unspecified Communication Disorder:

Communication disorders that cause significant distress, impairment in social or occupational functioning, but do not precisely meet the criteria for any specific communication disorder.

Techniques Used in Speech and Language Therapy

Various speech therapy techniques are employed for each of the areas mentioned above, with each therapy program tailored individually. Exercises targeting specific sounds and improving speech fluency, as well as exercises for breathing, swallowing, and enhancing voice, may be utilized. For children, therapy programs often involve the use of toys, illustrated cards, and books. Consistent application of these techniques at home is crucial for the long-term effectiveness of therapy.

How Long Does Speech and Language Therapy Take?

There is no standard duration for speech and language therapy as it varies from person to person based on factors such as age, severity of the problem, participation in sessions, and regular completion of assignments. Early interventions tend to yield results more quickly compared to interventions in adulthood.

Betigül BARAN

Clinical Psychologist

Education:

Altınbaş University, English Psychology Department

Altınbaş University, English Sociology Department (Double Major)

Expertise:

Istanbul Kent University, Clinical Psychology