What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy addresses speech, language, cognitive, or swallowing difficulties. In this field, speech-language pathologists work to diagnose and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders.

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What is a Language Disorder?

Language disorders are receptive or expressive. Receptive language disorders refer to difficulties in understanding or processing language. Expressive language disorders refer to difficulties in expressing wants, needs, or thoughts, as well as difficulties in using language in a socially appropriate way.

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What is a Speech Disorder?

A speech disorder is an impairment of the production (articulation) of speech sounds, fluency, or voice.

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What is a Swallowing Disorder?

A swallowing disorder, also called dysphagia, can involve impairment of the mouth, throat, or esophagus during swallowing, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, malnutrition, or reduced quality of life.

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What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy combines the art and science of providing and directing activities that serve to restore and enhance the performance of skills needed for functional daily living. The occupational therapist uses a variety of tasks and exercises in the areas of self-care, work, and play to increase functional independence, enhance development, and prevent disability. The task or the environment may be adapted to promote maximum independence and improve quality of life.

 

What is an Occupational Therapy Evaluation?

An occupational therapy evaluation will assess a child's gross motor, fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, handwriting, daily living, and sensory processing skills. The use of standardized assessment tools, non-standardized assessment tools, parent interviews, and clinical observations will be used to assess the child's performance.

 

How Does Occupational Therapy Help a Child?

Occupational therapy uses purposeful activities to enhance and encourage skill development. Guided by the child's interests, the therapist provides fun and motivating activities that aim to provide a "just-right challenge" so that the child will develop the underlying skills needed to effectively complete functional tasks. The goal of occupational therapy treatment is to use meaningful activities to assist the child in achieving functional skills needed for daily living. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved, occupational therapy offers creative solutions and alternatives for carrying out daily activities.