Speech Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists are professionals that are licensed and certified in the identification, techniques, strategies, and interventions designed to improve or correct communication delays or disorders. Comprehensive speech pathology services for impaired communication are available for patients having difficulty expressing thoughts, feelings, or needs. Speech-language pathologists work one-to-one with individuals who are unable to communicate verbally, teaching them to use gestures, pictures, and electronic devices to express themselves. Re-development of cognitive skills – such as organizing thoughts and retaining information – is also an area of focus. Patients with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) receive specialized assessment and treatment during their daily therapy sessions. These delays or disorders include speech, language, and swallowing. Programs range from sign language to electronic communication; stuttering to aural rehabilitation; augmentative communication to swallowing/feeding programs and much more.

Speech disorders treated by speech-language pathologists include:

• Articulation disorders (problems producing speech sounds)
• Fluency disorders (stuttering)
• Language disorders
• Swallowing disorders

URS’ pediatric speech-language pathology program provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of children birth to 18 years of age for speech, language, swallowing, feeding and oral motor skills.

Diagnoses that may be treated include:
• Dysphagia
• Down’s syndrome
• Head traumas
• Voice disorders
• Prematurity
• Cleft palate and related disorders
• Hearing impairment
• Delayed speech and language development

Photograph courtesy of James DeYoung Photography

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