Speech Therapy & Audiology

Dr.Nidhi Harjai

Human communication includes speech (articulation, intonation, rate, intensity, voice, resonance, fluency), language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics), both receptive and expressive language (including reading and writing)[1], and non-verbal communication such as facial expression, posture and gesture. Swallowing problems managed under speech therapy are problems in the oral and pharyngeal stages and sometimes esophageal stages of swallowing.

Depending on the nature and severity of the disorder, common treatments may range from physical strengthening exercises, instructive or repetitive practice and drilling, to the use of audio-visual aids and introduction of strategies to facilitate functional communication. Speech therapy may also include sign language and the use of picture symbols or Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Infants and children

Infants with injuries due to complications at birth, feeding and swallowing difficulties, including dysphagia
Children with mild, moderate or severe:
Genetic disorders that adversely affect speech, language and/or cognitive development including autism and social interaction difficulties including Asperger's, cleft palate
Developmental delay
Cranial nerve damage
Craniofacial anomalies that adversely affect speech, language and/or cognitive development
Language delay
Specific difficulties in producing sounds (including vocalic /r/ and lisps)
some infants with injuries due to paralysis of brain.
[edit] Children and adults
Cerebral Palsy
Head Injury (Traumatic brain injury)
Hearing Loss and Impairments
Learning Difficulties including Dyslexia, Specific Language Impairment (SLI), Auditory Processing Disorder
Physical Disabilities
Speech Disorders
Stammering (dysfluency)
Stroke
Voice Disorders

Adults

Adults with mild, moderate, or severe eating, feeding and swallowing difficulties, including dysphagia
Adults with mild, moderate, or severe language difficulties as a result of:
Progressive neurological conditions (Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron Diseases, Parkinson's disease, etc)
cancer of the head, neck and throat (including laryngectomy)
mental health issues
transgender voice therapy (usually for male-to-female individuals)