Speech therapy is the corrective or rehabilitative treatment of physical and/or cognitive deficits/disorders resulting in difficulty with verbal communication. This includes both speech (articulation, intonation, rate, intensity) and language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, both receptive and expressive language, including reading and writing). Depending on the nature and severity of the disorder, common treatments may range from physical strengthening exercises, instructive or repetitive practice and drilling, to the use of audio-visual aids.
When does a child need speech therapy :
- cannot produce speech sounds, or cannot produce them clearly;
- Problems with speech rhythm and fluency, such as stuttering;
- Voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice;
- Problems with understanding and producing language;
- To improve their communication skills by modifying an accent;
- Cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders.
- Swallowing difficulties.