Speech Pathology is specific therapy to minimise or overcome communication problems.
- Voice and Accent specialises in voice problems and disorders of communication, about 50% specialising in adult and adolescent communication, 50% problems of childhood communication.
- Adults often need Voice Therapy because of
– voice overuse in a vocally intense occupation like teaching
– illnesses affecting voice, like auto-immune or neurological conditions, Parkinsons Disease and thyroid conditions
– stressful work or life circumstances that cause laryngeal tension
– injury to the larynx, such as impact or strained muscles
– communication difficulties related to isolation, depression or self-esteem issues
– need for voice adjustment in gender transition
- Voice Therapy can improve voice quality, loudness, projection, intelligibility, confidence, pitch range and singing.
- Communication therapy addresses disorders following stroke, brain injury or neurological illness.
- Communication therapy for autistic children, adolescents and adults often involves advice on appropriate communication, supporting increase of self-confidence and assistance with self-monitoring.
- Childhood speech and communication therapy often involves improving articulation and language
- Swallowing Assessment and Therapy improves disorders related to swallowing, caused by ageing, trauma or degenerative illness. This often involves recommendations and advice relating to appropriate diet and food textures, according to IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) guidelines, and swallowing techniques.
