About Speech
Therapists
Speech Therapists use qualitative and quantitative
assessment methods, including standardized tests, as well as
special instruments, to analyze and diagnose the nature and
extent of speech, language, and swallowing impairments.
Speech Therapists develop an individualized plan of care,
tailored to each patient’s needs.
For individuals with little or no speech capability, Speech
Therapists may select augmentative or alternative communication
methods, including automated devices and sign language, and
teach their use.
They teach these individuals how to make sounds, improve
their voices, or increase their oral or written language skills
to communicate more effectively.
They also teach individuals how to strengthen muscles or use
compensatory strategies to swallow without choking or inhaling
food or liquid.
Speech Therapists help patients develop, or recover,
reliable communication and swallowing skills so patients can
fulfill their educational, vocational, and social roles.
Health
Related Websites
The National Cancer
Institute
The National Eye
Institute
The National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute
National Institute on
Aging
National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institute of
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute on Drug
Abuse
National Institute of Mental
Health
National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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