Speech therapists can identify the most effective methods of communication for patients who have aphasia, dysarthria, or verbal apraxia or who have had a laryngectomy:
Expressive aphasia: A letter or picture board
Mild to moderate dysarthria or apraxia: Breathing and muscle control plus repetition exercises
Severe dysarthria or apraxia: An electronic device with a keyboard and message display (print or screen)
Postlaryngectomy: A new way to produce a voice (eg, by an electrolarynx—see Laryngeal Cancer: Rehabilitation)
Speech therapists may also assist in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders.
Speech therapy includes exercises for articulation (speech or sound production), language comprehension, and expression. Speech-language pathologists also assess and treat swallowing (dysphagia) using clinical and imaging techniques. Therapy typically includes exercises for articulation, language comprehension, and expression, as well as interventions for voice and swallowing rehabilitation.
(See also Overview of Rehabilitation.)
