When you think of speech therapy, you might picture a child practicing their sounds or working on language skills. However, Speech-Language Pathologists, or SLPs, work with people of all ages. Adult speech therapy can play an important role in supporting communication, participation in daily activities, and independence.
Adults may benefit from speech therapy for a variety of reasons. Strokes, brain injuries, neurological conditions, changes associated with aging, and other medical conditions are just a few reasons why an adult may seek out speech therapy services.
What Does an Adult Speech-Language Pathologist Do?
A Speech-Language Pathologist that specializes in adult clients evaluates and treats a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.
While every person’s needs are different, adult speech therapy may address:
- Speech clarity and intelligibility
- Language and word-finding challenges
- Aphasia
- Cognitive-communication skills
- Voice disorders
- Memory and attention
- Communication following a stroke or brain injury
- Communication changes related to neurological conditions
- Swallowing challenges, also known as dysphagia
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
The goal isn’t to teach someone how to “speak correctly.” Instead, an SLP works with each individual to identify meaningful goals and develop strategies that can assist them in communicating and participating more successfully in everyday life.
Speech Therapy for Adults After a Stroke
One of the most common reasons adults receive speech therapy is following a stroke. Because strokes can affect different areas of the brain, communication abilities can change in a variety of ways.
Some people experience aphasia, which is a language disorder that can make it difficult to find words, understand language, read, or write. Others may experience dysarthria, which can affect the muscles used to produce clear speech.
An adult Speech-Language Pathologist can evaluate these difficulties and create an individualized treatment plan. Therapy may focus on improving speech and language skills, developing communication strategies, or finding alternative ways to communicate.
Speech and language therapy is an important component of rehabilitation for adults experiencing communication difficulties following a stroke.
Adult Speech Therapy for Neurological Conditions
Speech, language, and swallowing can also be affected by neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Dementia.
Depending on the condition and the individual’s needs, an SLP may assist with:
- Changes in speech clarity
- Reduced vocal loudness
- Challenges finding words
- Problems with memory or attention
- Challenges organizing thoughts
- Challenges understanding or expressing information
- Changes in swallowing
- The need for Alternative or Augmentative Communication
It’s important to note that treatment is individualized to each person’s abilities, goals, and everyday communication needs.
Speech Therapy Can Assist With Swallowing
Did you know that Speech-Language Pathologists also treat swallowing disorders?
Swallowing difficulties, like dysphagia, can affect a person’s ability to safely eat and drink. Adults may experience swallowing problems following a stroke, brain injury, neurological condition, surgery, or other medical changes.
An SLP can evaluate swallowing and recommend strategies designed to improve safety and function. Depending on the individual’s needs, treatment may involve exercises, positioning strategies, changes to food or liquid consistencies, and education for the individual and their caregivers.
Addressing swallowing difficulties is important because dysphagia can contribute to complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, choking, and aspiration.
Adult Speech Therapy for Voice Disorders
Your voice is an important part of your ability to communicate effectively with others. Therefore, changes to the voice can affect both personal and professional life.
Adults may seek speech therapy for concerns such as:
- Hoarseness
- Changes in vocal quality
- Reduced vocal loudness
- Vocal fatigue
- Challenges projecting the voice
- Changes associated with certain neurological conditions
An SLP can evaluate an individual’s voice and provide strategies or exercises designed to meet specific needs. For professionals who rely heavily on their voices—including teachers, public speakers, customer service professionals, and performers—maintaining healthy and effective voice use can be especially important.
Cognitive-Communication Therapy for Adults
Communication involves much more than just talking. We also rely heavily on the use of memory, attention, organization, problem-solving, and executive functioning to communicate effectively. Cognitive-communication therapy is a type of speech therapy that supports people in improving or developing strategies for thinking skills that are connected to communication.
Treatment may include strategies for:
- Remembering important information
- Following directions
- Organizing thoughts
- Planning and completing tasks
- Staying focused during conversations
- Managing communication in busy environments
- Using calendars, notes, reminders, or other external supports
The goal is to develop practical strategies that carry over into the client’s everyday life.
Communication Matters at Every Age
Our ability to communicate is a meaningful part of who we are. It supports our ability to build relationships, express our needs, stay connected with others, and participate in the activities we enjoy.
When communication or swallowing becomes more difficult, you don’t have to navigate those changes alone. Speech-Language Pathologists are here to assist people and find strategies that support their individual needs, goals, and quality of life.
Whether you’re recovering from a stroke, adjusting to changes caused by a neurological condition, experiencing difficulties with your voice or memory, or simply looking for support with communication, adult speech therapy can make a meaningful difference.
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Resources:
-MEGAN CONNER, Illinois State University, Senior Research and Marketing Intern
-NICOLE BUTLER, M.S., CCC-SLP/L (ASHA Certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Founder and Executive Director of Speech Within Reach.)
SPEECH WITHIN REACH provides in-person and virtual telehealth speech therapy for children and adults. We are grateful to support your speech therapy needs. Please feel free to reach out to us.