Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is the assessment and treatment of a wide range of speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders. These may arise from developmental difficulties (e.g. a child who doesn't acquire words or sounds as quickly as others do), medical conditions (e.g. cleft lip and palate), acquired conditions (e.g. head injury or stroke) or progressive neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson's Disease). Some communication difficulties are thought to have a genetic element (e.g. stammering).
Training for Speech and Language Therapy is typically a university degree course. The course is very detailed and covers anatomy/physiology, neuroanatomy (the anatomy of the head), biology, audiology, linguistics (detailed study of how language is formed and used), phonetics (the speech sound system), early developmental milestones and psychology. The course also covers speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders.
Once qualified, a Speech and Language Therapist has to be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) which guarantees standards and quality of therapy.
Training for Speech and Language Therapy is typically a university degree course. The course is very detailed and covers anatomy/physiology, neuroanatomy (the anatomy of the head), biology, audiology, linguistics (detailed study of how language is formed and used), phonetics (the speech sound system), early developmental milestones and psychology. The course also covers speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders.
Once qualified, a Speech and Language Therapist has to be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) which guarantees standards and quality of therapy.