Adult speech therapy can be used to help manage speech, language, cognitive, eating or swallowing symptoms that result from medical conditions such as a stroke or dementia, or from the onset of motor-skill affecting conditions like Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis. Brain injury and accidents that cause damage to the throat, jaw, or facial structure can also impair speaking ability. Other people may benefit from adult speech therapy due to underlying neurodiversity, which affect comprehension of language or participation in activities of daily living.
Diagnosis of a speech or language disability is done through a variety of tests. Once the specific underlying cause is identified, treatment programs to help the patient can begin.
Treatment done in adult speech therapy may be done in many different ways, as best fits the need of the patient. Therapy is always tailored to the individual to improve overall quality of life. Depending on the nature of the condition, exercises for muscular improvement and homework may also become a part of the program.
Transgender voice therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals with gender dysphoria to modify their voice to match their gender identity. This may include training in pitch, resonance, and intonation.
An adult might need cognitive therapy if they have difficulty with attention, memory, perception, or problem-solving due to a physical or mental condition. Examples of conditions that may benefit from cognitive therapy include stroke, brain injury, and dementia.
An adult might need swallowing therapy if they have difficulty swallowing food or liquids due to a physical or neurological condition. Examples of conditions that may benefit from swallowing therapy include stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and throat cancer.
A stutter can develop at any age, but it often begins in childhood. Some adults may develop a stutter later in life due to neurological conditions or traumatic brain injury.
Stuttering can affect communication by making it difficult for individuals to express themselves fluently. It can cause frustration, anxiety, and avoidance of certain speaking situations.
At Metro Speech Therapy we encourage open stuttering, reducing avoidance behaviors, and increasing self-confidence. Speech and language therapy can help individuals with stuttering to reduce anxiety while communicating and increase confidence in speaking situations.
Yes! Our speech-language pathologists offer telehealth services, which allow you to receive therapy from the comfort of your own home. Talk to your primary therapist about whether or not this is an appropriate service-delivery model for you or your child.