What do Speech and language therapists do?

Speech and language therapists work with people who have communication or swallowing difficulties. They help children and adults who find it hard to speak clearly, understand spoken language, use language effectively, or manage their swallowing safely. Their work can make a large difference to a person’s ability to connect with others, take part in everyday activities, and live more independently.

Speech and communication are part of everyday life, yet many health conditions, injuries, developmental issues, and emotional factors can affect them. Speech and language therapists assess what is wrong, decide the best way to treat it, and guide people through therapies that build on their strengths and address their challenges.

Who They Help

Speech and language therapists support a wide range of people. This often includes:

• Babies and children with delayed speech or language development
• People with speech difficulties caused by hearing loss
• Those recovering from strokes or brain injuries
• People with degenerative conditions such as motor neurone disease or dementia
• Individuals with learning disabilities
• Adults and children with voice problems
• People with conditions such as stammering
• Individuals with cleft lip and palate
• People with swallowing problems caused by illness, injury, or surgery

The therapist can work with patients directly and may also support family members and carers who help with daily communication.

What Communication Problems Mean

Communication issues can involve difficulties with one or more of the following:

• Understanding spoken or written language
• Expressing thoughts verbally or in writing
• Pronouncing words clearly
• Using grammatical structures correctly
• Finding the right words when speaking
• Understanding meanings beyond words, such as humour or implied meaning
• Coordinating sounds, words, and sentences smoothly

These problems may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The role of the speech and language therapist is to find methods that help each person communicate as effectively as possible.

The Assessment Process

Speech and language therapists begin with a thorough assessment. They gather information in several ways, such as:

• Talking to the person and their family to learn about the issues and how they affect daily life
• Reviewing medical history and any relevant reports
• Observing speech and communication during conversation
• Carrying out tests that measure understanding, expression, and clarity of speech
• Assessing voice quality, breathing, and the strength of muscles used in speech
• Checking how well the person can chew and swallow in cases of swallowing problems

The goal of assessment is to gain a clear picture of the person’s abilities and difficulties, then create a treatment plan that matches their needs.

Planning and Delivering Therapy

Therapists use a variety of methods to support communication and swallowing. The choice depends on the age of the person, the nature of the difficulties, and their personal goals.

Examples of therapy methods include:

• Exercises to strengthen muscles used in speech
• Activities to increase vocabulary and sentence structure
• Visual aids to help with understanding and memory
• Strategies for managing a stammer
• Voice therapy to improve tone, pitch, or volume
• Programmes to support safe swallowing, such as changing food texture or practicing certain swallowing techniques
• Alternative communication systems, such as communication boards or speech-generating devices

Therapy can take place in clinics, schools, hospitals, care homes, or the person’s home. Progress depends on regular practice and support from those around the person.

Working with Different Age Groups

Speech and language therapists often adjust their approach depending on whether they are helping children or adults.

With children, therapy might involve play-based activities that make learning enjoyable. It may also include working with teachers and parents to support the child’s communication in everyday settings.

For adults, therapy can focus on rebuilding communication after illness or injury, maintaining skills in progressive conditions, or learning new ways to communicate when speech is not possible.

Supporting Swallowing Difficulties

A significant part of the speech and language therapist’s role is supporting people who have problems with swallowing, known as dysphagia. This can happen after a stroke, in conditions affecting the nervous system, or following surgery.

Therapists assess how safely a person can swallow and recommend strategies to reduce the risk of choking. These may involve changes to posture, breathing patterns, food and drink textures, or teaching specific swallowing techniques. They may work with dietitians to ensure that the person maintains adequate nutrition and hydration.

Collaboration with Others

Speech and language therapists often work closely with other professionals. These might include:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Teachers
• Psychologists
• Dietitians
• Social workers

Collaboration ensures that the therapy fits into a wider care plan aimed at meeting the person’s overall needs.

Education and Training

Speech and language therapists provide training and advice to carers, teachers, and healthcare staff to help them support communication and swallowing in daily situations. This training might cover:

• How to use visual supports and communication tools
• How to encourage speech and language development
• How to make instructions more accessible for someone with comprehension difficulties
• How to prepare and serve food safely for someone with swallowing problems

Effective training helps create a supportive environment wherever the person spends their time.

Communication Aids

When speech alone is not possible, therapists can help the person use communication aids. These range from simple picture boards to advanced speech-generating devices. The choice depends on the person’s abilities and preferences.

Therapists teach the person and those around them how to use the aid effectively. This can open up new ways for the person to express themselves and take part in everyday activities.

Record Keeping

Speech and language therapists need to keep detailed records of assessments, therapy plans, progress, and any changes in the person’s condition. Good records allow for continuity of care and make it easier to see what approaches are working best.

Emotional Support

Communication and swallowing difficulties can be distressing. Speech and language therapists offer emotional support, helping people feel more confident and less isolated. They may encourage family members and carers to be patient and positive, and to celebrate small improvements.

Final Thoughts

Speech and language therapists play a key role in helping people of all ages communicate more effectively and swallow more safely. Their work ranges from assessing and treating speech and language delays in children, to supporting adults after illness or injury, to helping those with long-term conditions maintain quality of life.

They combine specialist knowledge with practical strategies, creativity, and compassion. This blend allows them to adapt their approach to match the unique needs of each person. By improving communication and swallowing, they help people take part more fully in everyday life and maintain better relationships with those around them.