What is speech and language therapy?
Speech and language therapy is the intervention service provided for individuals with difficulties in communication and/or swallowing.

What is communication?
Communication is the exchange of information (knowledge, experiences, thoughts, feelings and ideas) between two or more people. It is essential to learning, and for enjoying family life and friendships. It may be through verbal means (that is by talking and listening) or by non-verbal means (body language, facial expressions, gestures, sign language, picture or symbols, written and many others).

What are some common communication difficulties?
Communication difficulties differ depending on the type of client. The most common disorders include:-

Children

• Delayed speech and language skills
• Misarticulation
• Voice disorders
• Stuttering
• Auditory processing disorder
• Specific learning impairment
• Dyslexia
• Down’s syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Cleft palate
• Autism
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder

Adults

• Dysarthria (slurred speech)
• Voice disorders
• Acquired language disorders
• Stuttering
• Laryngectomy

Elderly

• Dementia
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Aphasia

Who can have communication difficulties?
Anyone can have a communication difficulty. Some difficulties result from medical conditions from birth while others may be acquired later in life.

Who helps individuals with communication difficulties?
Speech and Language Therapists are qualified professionals trained to assess and intervene in this specialized field of communication and its disorders

What other conditions are treated by Speech and Language Therapists?
Speech and Language Therapists also assess and manage children, adults and elderly who have swallowing difficulties. This could result from a congenital condition or from stroke, head injury, cancer and other medical problems or diseases.

Speech and Language Therapists often specialize either by client group or in terms of specific disorders. For example a particular Speech and Language therapist may be specialized in children’s disorders.

What do Speech and Language Therapists do?
Speech and Language Therapists carry out detailed assessments relevant to the specific disorder, then plan and implement appropriate treatment.

Assessment
When seeing a Speech and Language therapist for the first time, an assessment will be conducted. This is to allow the therapist to gather the necessary information about the clients' concerns and current communication or swallowing skills. The therapist will then recommend an intervention plan best suited to the individual's needs.

Intervention
Depending on the individual’s needs as indicated by the assessment, different types of intervention may be offered, including

• Individual one-on-one therapy
• Group therapy
• Parent / caregiver training sessions

Home Training Programs
A home training program is an individualized plan, targeting specific goals with suggested activities to achieve / maintain those goals. This will differ depending on the type of intervention the individual receives.

When does speech-language therapy stop?
A client may be discharged from speech-language therapy when he/she

• achieves therapy goals or is able to continue on a home program with minimum guidance from the therapist
• is not suitable for further therapy, according to the therapist's assessment.

Where is speech-language therapy available in Singapore?
Speech-language therapy services can be received from a wide range of sources. These include,

• Restructured Hospitals / Private Hospitals
• Special Schools / Private Schools
• Specialist Organizations
• Private practice

How can I get speech-language therapy services?
If you have a concern about communication difficulties or swallowing, consult your family doctor or general practitioner, who can then make the necessary referrals to the nearest / most suitable service available. A referral is usually required to access services in hospitals. Alternatively, individuals may directly approach a private Speech and Language therapist for an appointment.