Some Backyards Have a Garden. Yours Has a Nationally Renowned Health System.
At Terrebonne General Health System, we have a trained staff of speech-language
pathologists, also called speech therapists, who are knowledgeable of
a broad range of communication, voice, speech, language, and swallowing
disorders. Our staff provides in-person therapy for inpatients as well
as those who visit our Outpatient Pavilion. A speech or communication
disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, as many Americans have these problems.
The ability to talk, read, write, and understand language is related to
speech and language. These disorders have many different causes, and they
may be present from birth or acquired.
Conditions We Treat
We treat disorders affecting both children and adults by identifying, evaluating,
and treating a wide range of speech-related issues. Our speech therapists
use their training with advanced equipment such as computer technology
and voice/speech services to help patients develop more effective communication
skills. The time you’ll need to be in speech therapy depends on
the type and severity of your speech disorder and any underlying medical
conditions. Your speech therapist may work in tandem with other rehabilitation
experts to help you learn speech-language skills and control any underlying
medical condition you have.
You may need speech therapy if you have one or more of the following disorders
affecting:
Articulation
Fluency
Resonance
Reception
Expression
Cognitive communication
Aphasia
Dysarthria
And more
What is the Difference in Speech Therapy for Children Versus Speech Therapy
for Adults?
Usually, you will be referred to a speech therapist by your primary care
physician, who will then identify the type(s) of communication disorder
you have and devise a treatment plan. Speech therapy for children is somewhat
different than speech therapy for adults. For children, speech therapy
varies depending on the child’s disorder, age, and unique needs.
During speech therapy, the speech therapist often interacts with the child
through play using books, pictures, and other objects to stimulate language
development, rather than subjecting the child to a cold, clinical environment.
The speech therapist will model correct sounds and syllables for your
child during play to teach them how to make certain sounds, and give the
child and their parents homework and strategies for practicing at home.
For adults, speech therapy also begins with an assessment to determine
their disorder and the appropriate treatment. Therapy may include problem-solving,
memory enhancement, organization, and other activities to improve cognitive-communication.
Adults may also need to learn exercises to strengthen their oral muscles
and be trained on using their available resources to do homework and speech
therapy exercises at home through apps, games and toys, and workbooks.
Speech therapy can treat many speech and language delays and/or disorders
in children, adults, and seniors. With early intervention, speech therapy
has excellent success rates and can boost self-esteem.