Speech therapy is a form of therapeutic intervention aimed at helping individuals improve their communication skills, which can include speech, language, voice, fluency, and even swallowing difficulties. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), often referred to as speech therapists, work with people of all ages who have challenges related to speech and language

Here are some of the key areas speech therapy addresses:

1. Articulation Disorders: Difficulty producing sounds correctly, such as substituting one sound for another or omitting sounds (e.g., saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”).

2. Language Disorders: Problems understanding (receptive language) or using language (expressive language). This could involve difficulty forming sentences, using appropriate vocabulary, or following directions

3. Fluency Disorders: Issues with the flow or rhythm of speech, like stuttering, where sounds, syllables, or words are repeated or prolonged.

4. Voice Disorders: Problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice. Someone might have a hoarse, raspy, or strained voice.

5. Resonance Disorders: This involves issues with the airflow through the mouth or nose while speaking, often related to cleft palate or other structural issues.

6. Cognitive-Communication Disorders: Challenges with thinking skills like memory, attention, problem-solving, or organizational skills, which can affect communication.

7. Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia): Speech therapists also work on swallowing difficulties that may arise due to conditions such as stroke, injury, or neurological disorders.

Speech therapy typically involves a combination of exercises, strategies, and techniques designed to target the specific needs of the individual, and it can take place in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, or at home.