Speech and Language Pathology
Speech therapists primarily work towards speech, language and communication impairments.
People often use these terms interchangeably, however they all are distinct.
Speech: It is how we say sounds and words.It includes articulation, clarity, fluency etc.
Language: Encoded and decoded in the form of sound/words or actions to share ideas. Eg: English is a language, American sign language is also a language.
Communication: A system established using speech, signs or gestures to convey something to another person. Oral communication is through speech whereas augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices help someone with a speech or language impairment to communicate.
What happens in speech therapy?
Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders. Speech therapy techniques are used to improve communication. It helps with early language skills, voice and sound production, comprehension, fluency, clarity and expression. Speech and language therapists will help with speech difficulties such as stutters, articulation of sounds etc; language difficulties such as expressive(sharing thoughts or ideas) or receptive (understanding) language disorders and difficulties with communication
For children, it usually involves play, such as sequencing activities or language-based board games.