Speech therapy services
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5-year-old Kyle plays a word game with Amy Murphy.
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Skiff Medical Center pediatric speech therapy department serves children with various types of speech and language disorders. This may include:
- Articulation (speech sound errors, hard to understand)
- Receptive/expressive language (understanding what is said, following directions, verbally expressing wants/needs/ideas)
- Fluency (stuttering)
- Voice (nasality, vocal nodules, polyps, loss of voice, harsh voice)
- Augmentative communication (picture exchange communication system, or PECS, sign language)
We see children who may have been diagnosed with:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Hearing loss
- Cerebral palsy
- Apraxia
- Developmental delays
The initial evaluation:
- The speech therapist will visit with parent(s) to try to understand their concerns
- Background information as well as medical history will be obtained
- Formalized testing may be completed
- Therapist will provide ideas/suggestions to parents on things to do at home to improve their child’s communication skills
- Handouts may be provided for parents to read regarding speech and language development
- If warranted, speech therapy will be scheduled and goals discussed
- Therapist will try to answer any questions parents may have
Two treatment areas are available for pediatric speech therapy. The larger room, or pediatric gym, provides activities which incorporate sensory stimulation (platform swing, scooter, macaroni tub, etc.) for those patients who need it. The smaller room, which will soon have a one-way mirror for parental viewing, is ideal for floor play or table time. Allowing parents to observe their child’s therapy session will promote carryover of skills at home.
More than 14 million Americans are affected by speech, language and swallowing disorders. There are many different causes for these problems, some of which include:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neurological diseases (Parkinson’s, ALS, cerebral palsy, etc.)
- Head and neck cancer
- Weakness and/or infection
- Mental retardation
- Other unknown causes
Some reasons why an adult may need to participate in speech therapy include:
- Aphasia – Difficulty understanding language or expressing oneself (usually caused by a stroke)
- Dysarthria – Slurred or tight-sounding speech
- Apraxia – Difficulty coordinating the movements necessary for speech production
- Decreased cognition – Difficulty with sequencing, problem-solving, insight, reasoning and memory, due to a change in medical condition
- Decreased reading and writing skills – Due to a change in medical condition
- Voice disorders – A change in vocal quality that might be caused by vocal nodules or polyps. Sometimes a reason is not known for a change in vocal quality.
- Swallowing – Difficulty chewing or swallowing food and/or liquids
What will happen when you come to see a speech therapist?
- You will be asked to give a complete history of your problem
- The therapist may administer tests as appropriate
- You will work together with the therapist to design goals that will help to improve your functioning
- If you come for swallowing problems, the therapist might recommend a special swallowing test in radiology called a “swallowing video.”
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Speech therapist
Amy Murphy |
Why consult a speech therapist?
By the virtue of their education, professional certification, and licensure, speech therapists are the most qualified professionals to assess and treat speech, language and swallowing disorders.
Qualified speech therapists:
- Hold a masters degree from an accredited university.
- Have special training in identification, assessment, and treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
- Have completed a full-time internship.
- Have passed a demanding national competency examination.
- Have a state licensure, where required.
Skiff Medical Center employs two speech therapists who can provide you or your loved one with a wide range of evaluation and treatment of the following:
- Speech and language disorders
- Swallowing problems
- Voice disorders
- Augmentative communication needs and devices
To learn more, call (641) 791-4380 or e-mail speech therapist Amy Murphy, MA, CCC-SLP at amurphy@skiffmed.com.