We often think of the needs of children when we think of speech therapy, but speech therapy for adults is equally important. Adult communication difficulties can affect people socially, personally and professionally. But while many areas of concern around communication can affect both adults and children, the treatment approach taken with an adult is very different.
How does speech therapy for adults differ?
Adults may experience difficulties in speech and language for a variety of reasons, including as a result of an accident or injury, or simply through the ageing process. No matter what the reason, a qualified speech therapist can devise an appropriate treatment approach for adult needs. Practical, personalised treatment can help adults with difficulties including stuttering, recovery post-injury, improving concentration, or making yourself understood if English is not your first language.
Assistance for those with strong accents
People who have strong accents and are struggling to be understood can seek help from a speech therapist to better manage their adopted language. Many treatment options are available that can significantly improve pronunciation of common sounds, improving communication and reducing embarrassing requests for repetition.
Concentration and content retention
As adults, our ability to retain content, concentrate and solve problems helps us in so many of our everyday activities. Speech therapy treatments can help reduce the stress and frustration associated with cognitive difficulties in this area.
Head injury can cause issues with expression
An injury to the brain caused by accident or illness can leave survivors unable to express themselves through speech. The stress for sufferers, as well as family members and friends, can be significant. A speech therapist can work with the individual and tailor an approach that best suits their situation, making gradual improvements in line with the severity of the injury.
Stuttering may require ongoing treatment
Some adults who stutter will have received treatment for their speech condition as a child; however, many slip through the net and continue into adulthood with communication challenges. In some cases, ongoing treatment is necessary as changing emotions and life experiences may impact on the nature of the speech problems. Speech therapists are experienced in dealing with this most common of communication difficulties and can work all ages, from infancy to adulthood.
Adults are often required to present themselves as confident, efficient communicators. Any situation that causes us to experience frustration as a result of our speech or voice concerns really does need to be addressed. A team of dedicated speech therapists is ready to help you today. Don’t be embarrassed to speak up! Adult speech therapy is just as important and valid as helping our children become great communicators.
Vince Borg, Genevieve Tierney, Rochelle Vizelman, Rachel Saldanha, Jocelyn Leung, Ella Mechelan and Dr Lisa Furlong all have a special interest in speech development and language difficulty. Book your child an appointment with a speech therapist at Box Hill Speech Pathology Clinic on (03) 9899 5494 or direct your child speech therapy questions to enquiries@speech-therapy.com.au.
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