When people think of speech therapy, they often picture young children learning how to pronounce certain sounds but speech pathology plays a role in the lives of adults as well. Whether due to a lifelong speech difficulty, an acquired condition, or a desire to improve communication skills for professional or social reasons, adult speech therapy can make a profound difference.
Common Reasons Adults Seek Speech Therapy
Speech therapy for adults is highly individualised and may address a range of needs, including:
1. Stuttering
Many adults have lived with a stutter since childhood. Others may develop one later in life. At Box Hill Speech Pathology Clinic, stuttering is treated using evidence-based approaches such as the Camperdown Program, which focuses on smooth speech strategies to improve fluency and confidence in speaking.
2. Social Communication
Adults who struggle to communicate effectively in social or workplace settings may benefit from speech therapy to develop strategies to understand others’ social cues and reduce misunderstandings.
3. Accent Modification and Pronunciation
For adults who speak English as a second language, therapy can help with clarity, rhythm, and pronunciation, improving confidence and effectiveness in both professional and social communication.
4. Speech Changes Due to Medical Conditions
Speech or communication difficulties can arise from neurological conditions such as:
– Stroke (Aphasia, Dysarthria)
– Parkinson’s Disease
– Brain Injury
– Multiple Sclerosis
Therapy is tailored to help regain functional communication, address cognitive-linguistic challenges, and support independence in daily life.
5. Tongue Thrust and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Box Hill Speech Pathology Clinic is one of the few clinics in Melbourne offering tongue thrust therapy for adults. This condition can affect swallowing, speech clarity, and even orthodontic outcomes if left untreated.
What to Expect in Adult Speech Therapy
At Box Hill Speech Pathology Clinic, adult therapy is highly personalised. The process typically includes:
– Initial assessment to identify goals and challenges
– Development of a tailored therapy plan
– Engaging, practical sessions that address real-life communication needs
– Home-based practice strategies to accelerate progress
– Telehealth options, providing flexible access to therapy from home or work
Therapy may be short-term or ongoing, depending on the individual’s goals and circumstances.
Our clinic understands that for many adults, taking the step to seek help with communication can feel daunting. The team is committed to providing a supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental environment to help every client achieve their goals, whether that’s finding their voice again, feeling more confident in public speaking, or simply being better understood.
Ready to Improve Your Communication?
Contact Box Hill Speech Pathology Clinic today to book an initial consultation. Whether you’re looking to overcome a long-standing speech challenge or address a new concern, our team is here to help you communicate with clarity and confidence.
