Speech therapy
Speech therapy can help those with language or speech difficulties. It can also assist those with swallowing problems and young children who may have difficulty swallowing or sucking when eating different textures of foods.
After a physician reviews the patient's situation, he or she may be referred to speech therapy. Language difficulties or swallowing problems might be the result of a stroke, neurological problems, or surgery or cancer treatment. Pediatric patients with developmental delays, disease processes or birth defects may also benefit.
Reviewed 2/8/2023
Sources
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Adult Speech and Language." https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/adultsandl/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Child Speech and Language." https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childsandl/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Dysarthria." https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/dysarthria/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Speech-Language Pathologists." https://www.asha.org/Students/Speech-Language-Pathologists/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Swallowing Disorders in Adults." https://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/Swallowing-Disorders-in-Adults/.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Who Are Speech-Language Pathologists, and What Do They Do?" https://www.asha.org/public/who-are-speech-language-pathologists/.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. "Developmental Language Disorder." https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/developmental-language-disorder#7.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "What Speech-Language Pathologists Do." https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-2.
Speech therapy quiz
True or false?
Speech-language pathologists treat a wide variety of communication and swallowing problems. How much do you know about the many types of disorders speech therapy can address?
Start the quiz
True or false: Speech-language pathologists work only in outpatient settings.
FALSE. Speech-language pathologists work in many settings. You might find them in grade schools, colleges and universities, private practices, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.
True or false: Speech therapy is mainly helpful for children.
FALSE. Speech-language pathologists work with people of all ages to treat many types of communication and swallowing problems, including:
- Stuttering.
- Learning disabilities involving reading, spelling and writing.
- Voice, language and swallowing disorders caused by problems like stroke, cancer or brain injury.
True or false: Speech therapy might help someone who has autism interact socially with others.
TRUE: All people with autism have social communication problems. Speech-language pathologists can educate and train them how to greet others and ask questions; speak in ways appropriate to the listener and setting; and follow social norms for conversation, like taking turns at talking or how close to stand to someone while conversing.
True or false: Speech-language pathologists help people learn to swallow food.
TRUE: A swallowing disorder can lead to problems like poor nutrition and weight loss. Speech-language pathologists can help people learn to manage swallowing problems (called dysphagia) in order to suck, chew and swallow food and liquid properly.
True or false: Speech therapy can help with how your voice sounds.
TRUE: Speech-language pathologists address a variety of voice problems. If you sound hoarse or lose your voice easily, speech therapy can help. Speech-language pathologists can also address other voice issues like talking too loudly, talking through your nose or being unable to make sounds.
What's the best way to take care of your voice? Find out by taking this voice care quiz.
Speech therapy evaluation
The first step in the speech therapy process is an evaluation by the therapist. This may include several different tests. Based on the results of this evaluation, the speech therapist can assist you with exercises and activities to improve areas of concern. Your therapist can also provide you with a home exercise program. Some of our special services include:
- Modified barium swallows.
- Voice prosthetic therapy.
- Vocal cord therapy.
- Hearing screening.
Our speech therapists are highly specialized individuals trained in the most current techniques and treatments. If you feel you could be helped by speech therapy, ask your doctor or call us. Every program is specific and designed to help you achieve successful results.
Locations
Speech therapy services are available at the following locations:
2670 Michigan Road
Madison, IN 47250
812.801.0545
Hours
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services are offered on an outpatient basis.
206 W. Tyson St.
Versailles, IN 47042
812.801.8977
HOURS
Monday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Services are offered on an outpatient basis.
1373 E. State Road 62
Madison, IN 47250
812.801.0674
Services are offered on an inpatient basis.