Speech and language therapy services help children and adults who have difficulty producing speech sounds, can’t articulate specific sounds, stutter or have a voice disorder. Montclair Speech Therapy successfully treats the following disorders:
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Apraxia
Individuals living with apraxia know what they want to say but have difficulty moving their lips, jaw and tongue into the correct positions required to make speech sounds. Apraxia occurs when messages from the brain to the mouth are disrupted. Treatment includes PROMPT techniques, speech sound repetition as well as mouth movement and pacing exercises.
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Dysarthia
Characterized by slurred or slow speech, dysarthria results from a lack of coordination, weakness and/or paralysis of muscles that produce speech sounds. Treatment plans must take into consideration the cause and severity of the disorder, establishing goals and strategies that will improve communication abilities.
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Fluency
When speaking is hindered by involuntary repetition, prolonged speech sounds or abnormal stops that disrupt communication, speech and language therapy can help facilitate more fluent and natural speech. Treatment focuses on behavioral skills that teach patients to control the rate at which they speak and to implement breathing techniques.
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Voice
Voice disorders can have a variety of causes and require unique treatment plans that address the root issue. From environmental irritants to vocal cord injury and growths, therapy can address improving pitch, loudness and quality, helping to resolve a voice disorder. A course of speech and language therapy is often prescribed and successful in avoiding surgical intervention. Additionally, a vocal hygiene program is developed during treatment to restore normalcy and to prevent future relapse.
