Speech Therapy's Multiple Applications: Why It's More than Just "Speech"

Even though “speech” is in the name, speech therapy extends far beyond helping individuals pronounce words correctly. This dynamic field supports a wide range of communication, cognitive, and social skills that impact all areas of life—from early childhood development to adult rehabilitation.

By providing targeted support for diverse needs, speech therapy can improve quality of life, enhance relationships, and empower individuals to communicate more effectively—proving it’s much more than simply working on speech sounds.

Camille Joly, Riverside Healthcare Speech Language Pathologist (SPL), shares important information about speech therapy and its various applications.

The Basics of Speech Therapy: More Than Pronunciation

For children, therapy can involve managing articulation difficulties, such as helping with “S” or “R” sounds, or supporting kids who stutter. But, modern speech therapy has evolved far beyond this to assist children with complex conditions, such as autism.

These children may need help not just with language but with developing social skills and appropriate communication behaviors. For some, it might involve finding alternative ways to communicate, like using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device.

“Can we figure out a voice for that person who needs to communicate a different way? For example, on an AAC device, which looks like an iPad or tablet, kids press different buttons and icons to help speak for them,” explains Joly.

Beyond Childhood: The Role of Speech Therapy in Adult Care

Speech therapy for adults often brings to mind recovery from conditions like strokes, but it’s also invaluable for people dealing with cognitive or swallowing issues related to aging or degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. For these individuals, speech therapy might involve helping them safely swallow food, manage medications, or regain the confidence to speak following neurological changes.

Joly notes that therapists evaluate patients’ cognitive and executive functions (problem-solving, memory retention) to ensure they can safely handle daily tasks. Speech therapists often work closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neurologists to provide comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

Voice Therapy and Swallowing Support

Another area where speech therapy is crucial involves voice and swallowing. For people experiencing chronic hoarseness or issues such as frequent throat-clearing, speech therapists work with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) providers to address underlying vocal cord problems.

Similarly, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are common in adults who’ve experienced neurological changes. Speech therapists can help patients rebuild their swallowing abilities through exercises and retraining techniques, ensuring they can eat and drink safely without risking aspiration.

The Unique Role of Multilingual Speech Therapy

In culturally diverse areas, such as where Joly practices, there are often language barriers in healthcare. Many patients who don’t speak English as their first language experience additional challenges when they need therapy for complex conditions like a stroke. Joly’s ability to speak Polish and Spanish offers a reassuring connection for these patients, helping them navigate unfamiliar medical scenarios in their own language. This bilingual support can be especially comforting in moments when patients feel vulnerable and overwhelmed.

“I grew up with my parents not speaking English until way later. So, if you sustained a stroke, the next day you lost all of your independence. Not only that, but being you don’t understand English, you don't understand what's going on with you. That's when you could bring in my background of knowing Spanish and Polish to say, ‘Hey, It's not going to be a forever thing, but we'll get through it with speech therapy and any other kind of therapy you might need.’”

Why Speech Therapy Is Essential Across the Lifespan

Speech therapy’s breadth is why it’s vital to healthcare at every stage of life. From helping children develop foundational language skills to supporting older adults in maintaining cognitive function and independence, speech therapy plays a role in enabling people to communicate, interact, and function at their best.

Through diverse methods and close interprofessional collaboration, speech therapy provides care that’s anything but limited to speech alone—addressing holistic needs in ways that foster better health and quality of life. Joly reinforces why it’s time to view speech therapy in this broader perspective.

“I always say that if I could change my title, I definitely would. I love what I do. The title is kind of hard because people tend to think, ‘I speak fine’ and they brush it off to the side. But, give us a chance,” she urges. “We truly work with each individual based on what they need. And, we look so much more past the medical diagnosis. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. But, I always say you can be surprised how much you learn, how much you'll progress over the course of the whole therapy session.”

For more information about Rehabilitation and Therapy Services at Riverside click here.