SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
THERAPY IN SINGAPORE
What is Speech and Language Therapy?
Speech and language therapy, also known as speech-language pathology, is a healthcare field that focuses on assessing and treating language disorders, speech disorders and feeding problems.
Speech disorders are conditions that affect a person's ability to produce the sounds needed for clear communication. This can make it difficult for others to understand what they're saying. There are several different types of speech disorders. Some common ones include:
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Articulation disorders: Difficulty forming specific sounds correctly (e.g., lisping, trouble with "r" sounds).
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Stuttering: Disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions (blocks) or prolongations of sounds.
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Apraxia of speech: Problems planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech.
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Dysarthria: Muscle weakness or nerve damage affecting the ability to control the muscles used for speech.
Language disorders are impairments in a person's ability to understand and use spoken or written language. This goes beyond simply having a small vocabulary or making grammatical errors. It refers to significant difficulties that hinder communication and can impact daily life.
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Receptive Language Disorder: Difficulty understanding spoken or written language. This can manifest as problems following instructions, grasping concepts, or struggling to make sense of what others are saying.
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Expressive Language Disorder: Difficulty forming, expressing, or organizing thoughts into spoken or written language. This can involve limited vocabulary, trouble forming sentences, or issues with grammar and syntax. Sometimes, a person may experience difficulties in both areas, known as a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder.
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Social communication disorder (SCD), also sometimes called pragmatic language disorder, is a developmental condition that affects a person's ability to use verbal and nonverbal communication effectively in social situations. While they may understand language itself, they struggle with the "how" of communication – the social aspects and unspoken rules.
Who can benefit from Speech and Language Therapy?
Speech and language therapy can benefit individuals of all ages who have difficulties with communication, including speech, language, and social communication. This may include children with developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), social communication disorders; individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, and adults with speech or language disorders. Speech and language therapy can help improve communication skills, enhance social interactions, and increase overall quality of life.
What happens during Speech and Language Therapy Sessions at Redwood Psychology Singapore?
A speech and language therapy session will vary depending on the specific needs of the individual and the goals of their treatment plan. However, here's a general breakdown of what you can expect:
Initial Session:
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Introduction and rapport building: The speech and language therapist will start by getting to know the individual and establishing a rapport. This might involve conversation, games, or activities to put them at ease.
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Assessment: The speech and language therapist will conduct an evaluation to understand the nature and severity of the communication disorder. This may involve standardised tests, observations of communication skills in different contexts, and a review of the individual's medical history.
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Goal setting: Based on the assessment, the therapist will discuss goals for therapy with the individual (or their caregiver if it's a child). These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals).
Therapy Sessions:
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Targeted therapy: The speech and language therapist will then work on specific skills or strategies based on the established goals. This can involve practicing sounds, using visual aids, role-playing social situations, or using technology or suitable aids to support communication.
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Practice and repetition: A key part of speech and language therapy is practice and repetition. The speech and language therapist will create opportunities for the individual to practice his/her newly learned skills in a safe and supportive environment.
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Home practice: Speech and language therapists often provide exercises or activities for the individual to practice at home and in-between sessions. This will help to solidify learning and generalise newly acquired skills to everyday life.
Additional Considerations:
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Play-based therapy: For young children, therapy is often play-based and integrated into fun activities to keep them engaged and motivated.
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Family involvement: Family involvement is crucial for successful therapy outcomes. Therapists may provide parents or caregivers with strategies to support communication development at home.
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Collaboration: Speech and language therapists often collaborate with other professionals involved in the individual's care, such as teachers, doctors, and occupational therapists, to ensure a coordinated approach.
Overall, speech and language therapy sessions are designed to be engaging, supportive, and focused on progress. The therapist will tailor their approach to the individual's needs and learning style to help them improve their communication skills and achieve their goals.