The Work of Speech Therapist

Speech therapists role is to assess and treat speech, language and any communication issues in individuals of varying ages to enable them to communicate to the best of their abilities. With many jobs in the healthcare profession, speech therapists will work with doctors, nurses and psychologists on a regular basis.

Typical speech and language therapy jobs include assisting children or adults with a stammer, voice problem, difficulties with swallowing or difficulties associated with understanding or producing speech. SLT's also work with people with illnesses that have rendered speech problematic, such as those who have suffered a stroke or have a neurological disorder like Parkinson's.

Some patients are entering therapy because of injuries sustained on the job whether caused by an accident, sustained from long term stress and strain, or from some occupational hazard. Others have lost some or all of their speech functions and suffer from a loss of oral motor skills and control, effectively hampering their ability to communicate. Losses in vision create a particularly difficult set of challenges in order to utilize their remaining visibility. Still others seek rehabilitation from sports injuries or from extensive wear and tear due to a long career in sports. Many people also suffer from loss in bodily function from the normal course of aging and stress on the body or as a result of a stroke or arthritis.

So knowing when to make use of children's speech therapy is a very important step in the life of the child involved. Taking the appropriate action at the proper time can save a lot of heartache down the road. This does not mean you should panic at the first signs of any potential problems, but to stay alert about it, monitor it, and at the first feelings of doubt, get an assessment. It is always better to be safe and err on the side of caution.