The word “speech therapy” comes from the Greek word logos or speech. The speech pathologist is concerned with the analysis and treatment of speech disorders that are sometimes associated with cognitive problems, such as difficulties in memory, development, and learning.
In most cases, one is referred to a speech therapist for treatment of speech problems affecting children but many situations also affect adults.
One may be referred to a speech therapist if there are delays in language development, in cases of dyslexia, mental retardation, attention disorders, brain or neurological disorders, swallowing difficulties, dysphagia, autism, and attention disorders.
Another situation that is treated by the speech therapist are stuttering, which usually appears in children between 2 and 6 years of age but can occur later. Stuttering may occur due to genetic predisposition, but the reasons may also be others. In this case, the speech therapist will need to identify its origin and intervene as appropriate.
