Speech & Language Therapy

Speech (Apraxia or Dysarthria)

• Difficulty imitating and producing speech sounds

• Abnormal rhythm of speech

• Speech that is difficult to understand (e.g., slurred or mumbled)

• Slow or fast rate of speech

• Difficulty with movement in tongue, lip, or jaw

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Language (Aphasia)

• Difficulty producing language

• Difficulty coming up with words

• Substitute words that do not make sense

• Switch sounds within words

• Use made-up words

• Difficulty putting words together to form sentences

• Difficulty understanding language:

  • Misunderstand what others say

  • Find it hard to understand speech

  • Difficulty following instructions or answering questions

• Difficulty reading and writing:

  • Difficulty reading and/or understanding what is read

  • Problems spelling and putting words together to write sentences

  • Difficulty understanding number concepts

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There are many causes for speech and language disorders in adults, including, but not limited to, stroke, TBI, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and MS. Speech-language pathologists create therapy plans and goals based on an individual’s diagnosis and level of severity. Treatment methods for speech and language disorders include word-finding techniques, strategies for using and understanding language, melodic intonation therapy, instruction in tongue and lip placement for speech sounds, coordination of muscle movements for speech production, and caregiver education. ​The therapists at Premier Speech & Language Associates believe that treatment results are best when therapy is provided in the client's natural environment, which is often the home setting.