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Speech and Language Therapy |
Speech-Language Pathologists at Arkansas Children's Therapy Group design specialized programs for children with speech disorders, language disorders, and oral motor delays. A speech disorder refers to a problem with the actual production of sounds, whereas a language disorder refers to a difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas. Oral motor delays refer to a child's difficulties with movement and coordination of the muscles of the face and mouth. |
By assessing the speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing skills of children, speech-language pathologists can determine what types of communication problems exist and the best way to treat these challenges. |
Speech-language pathologists typically treat problems in the areas of articulation; dysfluency; oral-motor, speech, and voice; and receptive and expressive language disorders. Our therapists also have specialized training in oral motor dysfunction which can affect both speech production and safe feeding skills. |
Children are referred for speech-language therapy for a variety of reasons, including: |
* hearing impairments * cognitive (intellectual; thinking) delays * developmental delays * weak or uncoordinated oral muscles * birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate * autism spectrum disorders * motor planning problems * respiratory problems (breathing disorders) * feeding and/or swallowing disorders * traumatic brain injury * social skill delays * articulation delays |
Therapy should begin as soon as possible. Children enrolled in therapy early in their development (younger than 3 years) tend to have better outcomes than children who begin therapy later. |