Speech And Language Therapy
At International Maritime Hospital, our Speech and Language Therapy department is dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages with communication and swallowing challenges. Our Speech and Language Therapists provide expert assessment, diagnosis, and personalized therapy for each client’s unique needs. Below are some of the specific services we offer:
1. Speech Therapy
- Articulation Therapy: Helping individuals improve the clarity of their speech by correctly pronouncing sounds.
- Fluency Therapy: Supporting individuals who stutter or clutter to speak more smoothly and confidently.
- Voice Therapy: Addressing issues related to voice quality, pitch, or volume for individuals experiencing voice strain or vocal cord concerns.
2. Language Therapy
- Expressive Language Therapy: Assisting individuals in effectively forming sentences, expanding vocabulary, and clearly expressing thoughts.
- Receptive Language Therapy: Helping individuals better understand language, follow instructions, and process information accurately.
- Social Communication Therapy: Teaching essential skills for social interactions, including conversational turn-taking, interpreting body language, and adapting communication for various social contexts.
3. Swallowing and Feeding Therapy (Dysphagia Therapy)
- Swallowing Assessments: Evaluating swallowing safety to prevent choking or aspiration, particularly in clients with neurological or developmental challenges.
- Feeding Therapy: Assisting individuals who struggle with feeding, including those who need specific food textures or dietary adjustments.
- Oral Motor Exercises: Strengthening the muscles involved in chewing and swallowing, especially after injury or surgery.
4. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- AAC Assessments and Training: Supporting individuals who find speech difficult, by introducing and training on communication aids, such as speech-generating devices, picture boards, or symbol-based apps.
- Device Customization: Working with each client to select and customize communication tools that best suit their daily needs.
5. Cognitive-Communication Therapy
- Memory and Attention Strategies: Helping individuals improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention, often affected by brain injuries, stroke, or neurological conditions.
- Problem-Solving and Organization: Supporting skills like organizing thoughts, planning, and decision-making to improve everyday communication.
6. Family and Caregiver Training
- Home Program Development: Creating tailored activities and exercises for families to support progress outside of therapy.
- Communication Strategy Training: Educating caregivers and family members on effective ways to communicate and interact with loved ones facing communication or swallowing challenges.
7. School and Educational Support
- Classroom Support: Assisting students with communication needs to fully participate in classroom activities and peer interactions.
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Development: Working with educators and families to set and meet specific goals for children with communication needs.
8. Early Intervention for Young Children
- Developmental Assessments: Identifying and supporting young children with speech or language delays to help them reach age-appropriate milestones.
- Play-Based Therapy: Engaging children in fun, play-focused activities that foster language, social skills, and interaction.
Our team is committed to empowering each client to achieve their fullest potential in communication and swallowing, enhancing quality of life and fostering independence.
