Speech

When most people think of speech therapy, they think of learning how to say a specific sound (like /s/) or word correctly. This is the most commonly know form of speech therapy, and it’s called articulation therapy. Speech is how we say our sounds using our lips, teeth, and mouth and comprises three articulation, fluency (our rate of speech), and our voice. When someone struggles to produce speech in any of those three areas, that is a Speech Sound Disorder symptom. Some speech sound disorders that we treat at Georgia Institue of Speech and Language, LLC., are:

• Apraxia

• Dysarthria

• Articulation

• Phonological Disorders

• Voice

Language

Language is the rule-governed behavior for which we use words, spoken, written, or otherwise, to express and understand one another. Language can be either disordered or delayed. A language delay means that an individual is acquiring language in a typical sequence but falls behind their same-age peers. A language disorder is when the individual is developing language in an atypical sequence, and it is significantly disrupting communication. A language disorder can be expressive or receptive.

An expressive language disorder means that the individual has difficulty expressing their thoughts, feelings, or needs. An example of this would be:

• having difficulty recalling words

• speaking in abbreviated phrases that are not grammatically correct (ex: I go vs. I want to go)

• being unable to start or maintain a topic of conversation

A receptive language disorder means that an individual has difficulty understanding what has been communicated to them. A person can have both a receptive and expressive language disorder. An example of this would be:

• unable to understand multiple-meaning words (ex: back (body part vs. location)

• difficulty following directions

• problems with organizing thoughts for speaking or writing

At the Georgia Institute of Speech and Language, LLC., we specialize in treating speech and language disorders in adults and children. If you think you or your child may have a speech and language disorder, give us a call (678-465-7160).