Speech Therapy - What Is It - Types, Tests & Treatment

3/11/23, 1:51 AM Speech Therapy: What Is It?
Types, Tests & Treatment
IMPORTANT UPDATES + NOTICE OF VENDOR DATA EVENT
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy assesses and treats speech disorders and communication problems. It helps people develop skills
like comprehension, clarity, voice, fluency and sound production. Speech therapy can treat childhood speech
disorders or adult speech impairments caused by stroke, brain injury or other conditions.
Procedure Details Risks / Benefits Recovery and Outlook When to Call the Doctor
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3/11/23, 1:51 AM Speech Therapy: What Is It? Types, Tests & Treatment
OVERVIEW
What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy is treatment that helps improve your speech and language skills. It helps with early language
skills, voice and sound production, comprehension, fluency, clarity and expression.
What does a speech therapist do?

A speech therapist — also called a speech-language pathologist — assesses, diagnoses and treats speech
disorders and communication problems. They treat children with developmental delays, as well as adults with
speech impairments caused by injury or illness. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a speech-language
pathologist for a variety of reasons.
Who needs speech therapy?

Speech therapy is beneficial for children and adults with communication disorders. It can also help people with
hearing impairments or those who have difficulty swallowing. Your healthcare provider may recommend speech
therapy to help with:
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Aphasia. People with aphasia can have difficulty reading, writing, speaking and understanding language. The
condition can develop when areas of your brain that process language are damaged by stroke or injury.
Apraxia. People with apraxia know what they want to say, but have trouble forming the words. They may have
trouble with reading, writing, swallowing or other motor skills.
Articulation disorders. Children with articulation disorders are unable to produce certain word sounds. For
example, they may substitute one sound for another — like saying “wed” instead of “red” or “thith” instead of
“this.” Early intervention speech therapy can help with articulation disorders.
Cognitive-communication disorders. When the area of your brain that controls your thinking ability is
damaged, it can result in difficulty communicating. People with cognitive-communication disorders may have
issues with listening, speaking, memory and problem-solving.
Dysarthria. Sometimes, the muscles that control your speech become weak due to stroke, multiple sclerosis
(MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or other nervous system disorders. People with dysarthria may have
slow or slurred speech.
Expressive disorders. People with expressive disorders may have difficulty getting words out or conveying
their thoughts. Expressive disorders are linked to stroke or other neurological events, developmental delays or
hearing loss.
Fluency disorders. Fluency disorders disrupt the speed, flow and rhythm of speech. Stuttering (speech that’s
interrupted or blocked) is a fluency disorder. So is cluttering (speech that’s merged together and fast).
Receptive disorders. People with receptive disorders have difficulty comprehending or processing what others
are saying. As a result, they may have a limited vocabulary, trouble following directions or they may seem Ad
uninterested in conversation.
Resonance disorders. Conditions affecting your oral or nasal cavities may block airflow and alter the vibrations
responsible for sound. Resonance disorders are linked to cleft palate, swollen tonsils and other conditions that
affect the structure of these body parts.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
How do I know if speech therapy is necessary?

If your healthcare provider suspects that you or your child has a speech disorder, they’ll recommend some initial
screenings. These tests will help determine the underlying cause. For example, if your child has trouble
communicating, your healthcare provider will find out if it’s due to a speech disorder or a hearing problem. If your
child passes the hearing test, then your healthcare provider will likely refer them to a speech-language
pathologist.
What happens during speech therapy?

What happens during speech therapy depends on several factors, including your age and type of speech disorder
you have. For children, it usually involves play, such as sequencing activities or language-based board games. For
adults, it’s focused on improving or rebuilding particular skill sets. Ad
Your speech-language pathologist will recommend appropriate treatment based on your unique situation. There
are many different approaches and categories of speech therapy, and your healthcare provider will find one that
works best for you.
What are some speech therapy techniques?

There are a number of speech therapy techniques that your speech-language pathologist may use to treat your
condition. Treatment varies significantly for each person, depending on the type of speech disorder they have.
Your speech pathologist will develop a detailed plan of care specific to you or your loved one’s needs.
What are some speech therapy techniques I can try at home?

Kids and adults alike can practice speech therapy techniques at home. Your healthcare provider can recommend
exercises for your specific condition. Some general techniques for children and adults include:
Speech therapy techniques for children

Activities to try with your child at home:
Read to your child. Reading to your child is a wonderful way of developing their speech and language skills. If
they’re old enough to read, let them read back to you. If they’re too young to read the words, let them explain
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what they see in the pictures. Have your child point to the pictures that you name for them, or have them name
pictures you point to.
Reduce screen time. Research shows that watching too much television can delay language development. The
best way to teach your child proper speech is by modeling speech and language to them directly.
Be attentive and patient. If your child has a speech disorder, it’s important to be patient. Don’t push them to get
the words out. This may cause additional anxiety, which can make the problem worse. Say to your child, “Take
your time, I’m listening.” Then give your undivided attention while they communicate with you.
Play games with your child. Board games that include guessing objects, describing objects or asking
questions are a wonderful way to expand language skills.
Be a good speech model. Use simple but grammatically correct speech that’s easy for your child to imitate.
Talk to them about what you’re doing. Label shapes, colors, clothing items and body parts.
Speech therapy techniques for adults

Adults with speech disorders can also benefit from at-home exercises. You can try:
Tongue exercises. Stick your tongue out, hold for two seconds, then bring it back in. Repeat this process
several times. You can also try this same exercise, but move your tongue to each corner of your mouth for two
seconds. Finally, move your tongue up and down in the same fashion. These exercises help train your tongue to
move in coordinated patterns.
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Smiling. Simply smiling in front of a mirror can help improve motor skills. Smile. Relax. Smile again. Repeat this
process several times.
Puckering your lips. Try puckering your lips, then relaxing. Repeat this several times. This can help you control
the movement of your mouth.
Reading out loud. If your speech disorder prevents you from moving your mouth and tongue properly, reading
out loud can be excellent practice. Start out with a few small sentences and work your way up from there.
Playing word games. Studies have shown that memory games, word searches and crossword puzzles can
help maintain cognitive function and improve thinking skills.
Speech Therapy
Find a Speech Therapist

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RISKS / BENEFITS
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Does speech therapy actually work?

Yes. Millions of people have improved their language and communication skills with speech therapy. Keep in mind
that success rates vary for each individual. For children, speech therapy is most successful when started early
and practiced at home with a parent or caregiver.
What are the advantages of speech therapy?

Speech therapy offers a number of benefits, including:
Improved self-esteem.
Increased independence.
Improved ability to comprehend and express ideas, thoughts and feelings.
School readiness for young children.
Enhanced vocal quality.
Early language skills.
Better swallowing function.
Improved quality of life.
RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

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How long do you need speech therapy?

The answer to this question is different for everyone. It depends on several factors, including:
Age.
Type of speech disorder.
Severity of the speech disorder.
Underlying medical condition.
Frequency of speech therapy.
Some speech disorders improve with age, while others may require long-term speech therapy. If a medical
condition has caused your speech disorder, then your speech and language skills may improve as you recover
from the underlying issue.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you have a medical condition that’s resulted in a speech disorder, your healthcare provider will let you know
when it’s time to see a speech-language pathologist. If you suspect your child has difficulties with language or
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comprehension, call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment. Common warning signs include
infrequent talking, trouble using language socially and difficulty understanding simple sentences.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Overcoming a speech disorder can take time, effort and practice. But patience and understanding go a long way.
If you or your child has difficulty communicating, ask your healthcare provider about scheduling a screening with a
speech-language pathologist. Speech therapy is a wonderful resource that can give you or your child more
independence, confidence and a better quality of life.
SHARE
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/03/2022.
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3/11/23, 1:51 AM Speech Therapy: What Is It?

Types, Tests & Treatment

IMPORTANT UPDATES + NOTICE OF VENDOR DATA EVENT

What is speech therapy?

What does a speech therapist do?

Who needs speech therapy?

How do I know if speech therapy is necessary?

What happens during speech therapy?

What are some speech therapy techniques?

What are some speech therapy techniques I can try at home?

Speech therapy techniques for children

Speech therapy techniques for adults

Find a Speech Therapist

Does speech therapy actually work?

What are the advantages of speech therapy?

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

How long do you need speech therapy?

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

When should I see my healthcare provider?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/03/2022.

Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information

Sign Up Visit Health Essentials

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical

More health news + info

A P P O INTMENTS & ACC E S S

Actions Blog, News & Apps

About Cleveland Clinic Site Information & Policies Ad

100 Years of Cleveland Clinic Send Us Feedback

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