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Speech and Language Therapy (Speech Pathology)
Speech and Language Therapy focuses on communication and addresses the following areas:
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Articulation difficulties (speech sounds): difficulties producing certain sounds, substituting some sounds for others.
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Language difficulties (both understanding spoken and written language, and expressing yourself with language). Difficulties here can have a detrimental effect on our understanding of the world around us, and our ability to participate.
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Social skills (pragmatics). Difficulties with language and our ability to understand the world around us often have a flow-on effect on our capability to engage socially. This can also lead to low self-esteem and feelings of exclusion.
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Behaviour issues (often tied to difficulties with communication in general). Our work here often addresses fundamental issues around emotional regulation (closely tied with Occupation Therapy).
Speech and Language Therapy in Singapore: Understanding and Overcoming Communication Difficulties
Speech and language therapy in Singapore is a relatively new field of allied health that supports a range of communication disorders (speech and language), fluency disorders (stuttering/stammering), voice disorders, as well as feeding and swallowing difficulties.
Speech and language pathologists (SLP) are also referred to as speech and language therapists (SLT) or speech pathologists/therapists for short. They work with people of all ages from newborn infants, toddlers, school-aged children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, and they also play an important role in end-of-life care (palliative care).
Communication difficulties or disorders can be divided into two broad categories:
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Speech - Speech is the production of the sounds that make up spoken language and is produced using the lips, jaw, tongue, throat, and larynx (voice box).
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Language - Language is understanding and expression through the organized system of symbols and words to communicate meaning. This can be written, read, gestured, signed, spoken, listened to, and expressed through body language.
Some people have either speech difficulties or language difficulties. However, it is possible (and more likely) to have problems with both.
Speech and language pathologists are also able to use and train people in the use of augmented alternative communication (AAC) devices. These are tools that help non-verbal people to communicate, such as a communication board or book. They also help with social skills and can lead social groups to help children recognize and practice socially appropriate behaviours.
Fluency disorders (stuttering/stammering) and voice disorders are areas that speech and language pathologists work with as well. They are able to provide strategies and techniques to help overcome or compensate for the various communication difficulties, as well as refer to other professionals when necessary to target other related challenges, such as anxiety or depression.
In hospitals, speech and language pathologists help to diagnose and treat swallowing difficulties, which frequently occur with stroke, nose and throat cancer, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. They also help to treat aphasia, which is a language disorder that frequently occurs as a result of a stroke where patients have difficulty both understanding and using language.
At Total Communication, we employ some of the best speech and language therapists in Singapore who are certified by the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC). The AHPC regulates the practice of speech and language therapy in Singapore and ensures that all registered speech and language pathologists have the necessary experience and theoretical knowledge to use a range of different evidence-based techniques and programmes, as well as assessment and treatment tools to help their clients. Our therapists are also trained to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each individual and tailor their therapy sessions to target the specific needs of each person. They work collaboratively with other allied health professionals as well, such as occupational therapists, psychologists, ENT doctors, and more.
As some of the best speech and language therapists in Singapore, our therapists make sure to work closely with educators and families in order to ensure that everyone involved with the care of the patient/client receives the necessary support. Therefore, we welcome you to speak with our speech and language pathologist about what might be the most suitable for you or your child and discuss any needs or challenges that require our support.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) specialize in the development, nuances, and impairments of all aspects of communication and language learning.
With training grounded in communication and language development, SLPs are uniquely positioned to understand and foresee the implications to one’s overall quality of life when the developmental processes involved in these areas don’t go according to plan. Whether it’s working directly, liaising with teachers, parent training, or any combination of these, an individualized program supporting your child’s particular strengths and challenges can achieve gains for them and the way they interact with their world.
In consult with you and other professionals involved in your child’s case, the Speech-Language Pathologist will implement an assessment and treatment plan to maximize potential and reach goals. Our Speech-Language Pathologists are well sought after for services provided both at schools and by individual families.
Difficulties in children involving SLPs include:
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Speech and articulation disorders (unclear sounds)
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Central auditory processing disorder (when the brain can’t hear)
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Language disorders (delayed language development or language impairment also known as Developmental Language Disorder DLD)
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Communication disorders (autism spectrum disorder)
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Fluency Disorder (stuttering and stammering)
