Speech-Language Pathology and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are often referred to as Speech Therapy and Speech Therapists. This ‘nickname’ does not do justice to all the benefits and skills a well-trained Speech Therapist. SLPs work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat not only speech disorders but also language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in both children and adults.
Speech therapy for adults also begins with an assessment to determine your needs and the best treatment. Speech therapy exercises for adults can help you with speech, language, and cognitive communication. It may also include retraining of swallowing function if an injury or medical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or oral cancer has caused swallowing difficulties.
Exercises may involve:
- problem solving, memory, and organization, and other activities geared at improving cognitive communication
- conversational tactics to improve social communication
- breathing exercises for resonance
- exercises to strengthen oral muscles