General Information 1. What is speech-language therapy? Speech-language therapy is a specialized service provided by licensed professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders. These may include difficulties with speech sounds, language, social communication, voice, fluency, and feeding/swallowing. 2. Who provides speech-language therapy? Speech-language therapy is provided by certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), often referred to as speech therapists. They are trained professionals registered with Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) with expertise in communication and swallowing disorders. 3. Who can benefit from speech-language therapy? Children and adults of all ages can benefit. Therapy supports individuals with conditions like speech delays, language disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), stuttering, voice disorders, aphasia, and swallowing difficulties. ________________________________________ Evaluation Process 4. How do I know if I or my child needs speech therapy? If you or your child is experiencing difficulty with communication, understanding, or feeding/swallowing, an evaluation by an SLP can help determine if therapy is needed. Common signs include: • Delayed speech development • Difficulty forming words or sentences • Stuttering or voice irregularities • Trouble following instructions 5. What happens during a speech-language evaluation? The SLP will collect information about medical and developmental history, observe communication and/or swallowing skills, and perform standardized assessments. Based on the findings, a diagnosis and treatment plan will be developed. ________________________________________ Therapy Sessions 6. What does a typical speech therapy session look like? Sessions are tailored to the individual’s needs and may include: • Play-based activities for children to encourage speech and language development. • Exercises to improve speech sounds, language comprehension, or fluency. • Swallowing therapy for those with feeding difficulties. Sessions are designed to be engaging and goal-oriented. 7. How often are therapy sessions scheduled? The frequency of therapy depends on the individual’s goals and needs. Sessions may be scheduled weekly, biweekly, or as part of an intensive program. 8. How long does speech therapy take? The duration of therapy varies depending on the nature and severity of the issue, as well as the individual’s progress. Consistency and practice outside of therapy sessions can accelerate progress. ________________________________________ For Parents and Caregivers 9. How can parents support their child’s progress in therapy? Parents can: • Follow through with home exercises and activities recommended by the therapist. • Encourage communication in daily routines. • Provide a supportive and patient environment for learning new skills. 10. Can I observe or participate in my child’s therapy sessions? Yes, many therapists encourage parent involvement to help reinforce skills learned in therapy at home. ________________________________________ 11. What should I bring to the first appointment? Bring any relevant medical records, previous evaluations, and information about communication or swallowing concerns. For children, a list of developmental milestones may be helpful. ________________________________________ Specialized Areas 12. Do you work with individuals with autism? Yes, we specialize in supporting individuals with autism to improve communication, social skills, and language development. 13. Can speech therapy help with stuttering? Yes, SLPs use evidence-based techniques to help individuals manage and reduce stuttering. 14. Do you provide teletherapy services? We offer teletherapy, allowing sessions to be conducted online. This can be a convenient option for families with limited access to in-person services.