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Speech disorders
Speech disorders
At Manchester SLT we provide a high quality service for children with speech disorders. Our specialist therapists help to develop, improve and support any speech, language or communication difficulties a child with speech disorders may have.
What is speech disorder?
Speech disorders is term used to describe a group of disorders which result in a child having difficulties producing speech sounds.
A speech disorder is where a child's pattern of speech development will be deviated from the typical pattern of development.
There are several types of speech disorders which can be caused by a variety of conditions or disorders.
Common speech disorders in children include:
- Phonological disorder
- Articulation disorder
- Childhood apraxia of speech
- Childhood dysarthria
- Stutter
Phonological disorder
A phonological disorder is where a child does not follow the normal pattern of speech development. Children with phonological disorder will not be able to use the rules of their sound system correctly, which then results in difficulties in the pronunciation of speech sounds. Children with phonological delay may use unusual speech processes and distorted vowels which are not used by children of the same age who are following the typical pattern of speech development.
Articulation disorder
An articulation disorder is a speech difficulty which occurs as a result of the child having physical difficulty with the placing, timing and movement of their articulators (lips, tongue, palate and throat).
Childhood apraxia of speech
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurological disorder which causes a child to have difficulties in the planning and sequencing of their articulators (lips, tongue, palate and throat) which then results in mispronunciation of speech sounds. Children with CAS will often have increased difficulty with sounds of longer syllable length, sentences and conversation. Children with CAS will also find it difficult to produce speech sounds on request, whilst they may be able to say them in spontaneous speech.
Childhood dysarthria
Childhood dysarthria is a neurological motor speech disorder, which results in the mispronunciation of speech sounds due to the articulators (lips, tongue, palate and throat) becoming weak and slow.
Stutter
A stutter is classed as a disorder of fluency and may also be referred to as a speech disorder. A stutter, also termed a stammer is a disruption to the normal flow of speech. There are many different causes of stuttering and common characteristics include sound / syllable repetitions, prolongations, blocks and hesitations.
Speech disorders can vary in type and severity; in milder cases only certain speech sounds may be affected. In more severe cases a child may have little or no speech output or be completely unintelligible to the listener. In such cases the therapist and child may need to explore alternative ways of communicating.
Having a speech disorder can affect other areas of the child's development including their social, play and emotional development. It can also impact on their academic performance.
At Manchester SLT we can provide a high quality service for children of all ages and abilities with speech disorders. The earlier a child receives treatment the better the outcome will be in helping to improve the child's communication.
What problems caused by speech disorder can speech and language therapy help with?
Difficulties caused by speech disorders which speech and language therapy can help with include:
- Expressive language difficulties – where a child will have difficulty expressing information via spoken or written communication.
- Receptive language difficulties – where a child will have difficulty understanding written or spoken information.
- Attention and listening problems – where the child has difficulty attending or listening to information.
- Voice disorders – where there is a deviation in the child's volume, quality or pitch of their voice from what is classed as normal for their age and gender.
- Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties
Having a speech disorder may cause additional difficulties in the child's acquisition of language and impact on their social, play, and emotional development.
How can Speech and Language Therapy help children with speech disorder?
Speech and language therapy is highly beneficial for children with speech disorders. Children with speech disorders often respond well to treatment; the earlier treatment is received the better the outcome will be for the child.
Our therapists at Manchester SLT will carry out an initial assessment to determine the type and severity of the child's speech disorder and also how their difficulties are impacting on other areas of their development. Following an initial assessment, the speech and language therapist will implement an individualised treatment plan which will be tailored to the specific needs and abilities of the child.
At Manchester SLT our speech and language therapists will focus on improving and developing your child's speech and maximising their communication to their highest potential. There are many treatment options available for children with speech disorders, each treatment will be individualised to meet the child's age, ability, interests and specific difficulties.
Treatment options for children with speech disorder may include:
- Language programmes
- Speech programmes
- Pre-school communication groups
- Parent- child interaction groups
- Advice and support for parents / carers and other professionals e.g. educational staff
- Individual therapy
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication – any form of communication other than speech
- Group therapy
- Training
- Home programmes
In more severe cases, where a child has extremely limited speech output, or no speech at all the speech and language therapist will explore alternative options of communication. This may include signing, pictures, symbols or high tech electronic communication aids.
Speech and language therapy at Manchester SLT will be highly beneficial for children with speech disorders. Our speech and language therapists will work closely with the child, their parents / carers and other professionals involved in their care in ensuring they receive the best possible outcome from treatment.
Speech and language therapy will maximise a child's communication to their highest potential and have additional benefits in other areas of development; including their social, emotional and play development.
How can I book a speech and language therapy appointment for my child?
If you feel that you and your child would benefit from our speech and language therapy services at Manchester SLT and would like to book an initial assessment, please contact us by emailing info@manchesterslt.co.uk or calling 0161 883 0111.
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 0161 883 0111
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 3-5 St John Street, Manchester, M3 4DN
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0161 883 0111
info@manchesterslt.co.uk
