Consider all the standard transactions of daily living that require spoken language. Now imagine being unable to communicate your thoughts and feelings accurately during these interactions, and imagine the frustration and anxiety you would feel as a result. That is why speech-language pathologists are vital.
Their skills, patience, and proven therapies make communication possible without persistent frustration and anxiety for children, teens, and adults. That is why speech-language pathologists are versatile.
After struggling to say what's on your mind, imagine the relief you would feel when you can finally say it without struggling. That's the confidence, comfort, and control speech-language pathologists offer their patients.
► You'll find a list of the speech-language disorders we diagnose and treat here and in The Consumer's Guide to Speech-Language Pathology.
For children and teens, get professional help as early as possible
Kids with speech impediments talk differently than other kids, and they know it. Speech impairments hinder communication and reduce self-confidence.
The classic issues (lisping, turning Rs into Ws, stuttering) may be cute at five and younger, but not at 10—they're problems. The earlier children receive therapy, the greater the probability of success.
Speech-language therapy builds communication skills and increases confidence, which increases success in school and the ability to socialize comfortably with peers. And it gives children and teens the tools they need to manage their speech issues for the rest of their lives.
If you have a concern, act on it. Why risk your child's intellectual and social development? A speech-language screening is the first step in determining if there is a problem.
► Download The Consumer's Guide to Speech-Language Pathology.
For adults, speech-language therapy for success
Effective communication is vital for success in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. Adults unable to communicate their thoughts and feelings experience high frustration and anxiety.
Imagine all the routine transactions of daily living that demand spoken language. Difficulty expressing yourself clearly with ease is a barrier to success, a challenge you know well if you or a loved one has difficulty with speech.
For adults, speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat the disorders listed here (scroll to the bottom of the page) but also offer therapies for Parkinson's and stroke.
For Parkinson's, restore your voice and smile
Voice problems start early in Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. PD patients typically speak with a soft, muted voice that sounds mumbled and monotone. A hoarse voice is not unusual either.
Parkinson's disease often damages the feedback circuits you rely on to regulate how loud you speak and manage your facial expressions. As a result of Parkinson's, you might think you're talking loud enough or smiling, but you are not.
Medicine and surgery rarely help speech disorders. The most effective way to treat these problems is with speech therapy, specifically, LSVT LOUD or SPEAK OUT!®. Research-based and clinically proven, LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT! improve vocal loudness, facial expression, speech intelligibility, and communication confidence.
► Download The Consumer's Guide to Speech-Language Pathology.
Speech-language screenings
Speech-language screenings are 30-minute assessments of children, teens, and adults’ speech (ability to pronounce sounds) and language (following directions, answering questions, processing information, vocabulary). During screenings, speech-language pathologists also observe social interactions and their clients' reading and writing abilities (if appropriate for the child's age). The mood is always positive and doesn’t feel clinical.
Screenings give therapists an initial impression of a person’s speech and language skills. Depending on their findings, therapy or a more thorough evaluation may be recommended to diagnose the issue.
We offer free screenings for children five and older. Adult screenings are also free of charge.
Schedule a screening
If you are concerned about the speech or language problems of a loved one or yourself, give us a call.
Crest Hill: 630-633-5060 | Palos Hills: 708-599-9500
