Speech and language therapy is not a new profession, but the way we have been doing this job needs to be updated. In the last decade, as Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) are able to perform our scope of practice independently, there has been an increase in the number of SLTs working with children with neurological conditions.Â
For example, Cerebral palsy is known as a disorder that affects motor function. However, it can also affect feeding and communication difficulties including speech, language and swallowing. Because treatment can be very physically demanding in these cases, the integration of physical therapy (PT) within our own discipline is critical for effective management.
The role of Physical Therapists
In this portion of the article, we will focus on the role of physical therapists in helping children with neurological conditions.
Physical therapists are experts in movement science. They can help to improve motor skills, postural control, coordination and balance. They also help children improve strength and endurance, flexibility as well as coordination. Tests that measure muscle strength, range of motion, and balance can help physical therapists assess their patients’ abilities. They then use their findings to create an individualized treatment plan for each child based on his or her specific needs.
For example: If a child has poor knee stability due to weakness in his quadriceps muscles (the large muscles at the front of the upper leg), a physical therapist may prescribe exercises that strengthen these muscles so he can walk more easily without falling down all the time!
The role of Speech and Language Therapists
Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are specialists who help children with all types of communication difficulties. They may also work with children who have problems eating or swallowing. SLTs can be found in hospitals, clinics and schools throughout the country.
The role of a Speech and Language Therapist is to assess how well your child can listen and understand speech, read words or sentences, use their voice for talking or singing, etc., as well as assess any problem they may have with speaking clearly or understanding what is said to them by others.
During this assessment, they will ask you questions about your child’s development so far such as when he started to crawl, walk, talk, etc. They will also look at how your child plays with toys now compared to before he was diagnosed. This will give them an idea of what skills he has developed since birth that might affect his present communication abilities.
Physical Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy teamwork
Physical Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are complementary therapies that work together to help children with neurological conditions.
Physical therapists, who are experts in the physical aspects of health, provide movement-focused treatment to children with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy (CP) or multiple sclerosis (MS). They address impairments by helping the child build strength, coordination and balance.
Speech-language pathologists specialize in communication disorders such as speech apraxia or aphasia. In addition to working on language skills, they also help with swallowing problems and airway management for some patients who have suffered a stroke or brain injury
The integrated Physical Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy teamwork for children with neurological conditions
Some of our therapists hold additional licenses in speech and language therapy, making them well-equipped to provide treatment for common childhood speech/language disorders. A child with a neurological condition may experience difficulties with communication, swallowing and/or feeding, articulation (sounds), fluency (stuttering), voice production, language acquisition patterns (grammar) and social-emotional development.
Physical therapists are experts at helping children with neurological conditions through the process of physical therapy. This includes:
- Evaluation of the child’s motor skills by observing their posture, range of motion and level of strength or weakness in various areas of their body.
- Recommendations for therapeutic exercises.
- Helping parents learn how to provide hands-on care at home between visits.
In conclusion, research on the etiology of ASD has led to a variety of interventions for children with autism. What is needed now are empirically based intervention programs that address the needs of children from birth through three years old.
This will include developing and testing models and methods for providing services for young children with disabilities and their families in natural settings. The provision of comprehensive services across the continuum of care that promotes inclusion and assistive technology for individuals with special health care needs will ensure that these individuals grow up to live happy, productive lives in their communities
If you are looking for a speech therapy center in Abu Dhabi, look no further than Maudsley Health.
Our expert therapists are trained to help your child reach their full potential. We can provide treatment and consultation on a wide range of speech-related issues including:
- Apraxia of speech (difficulty producing certain sounds or syllables)
- Articulation disorders (difficulty producing certain sounds or syllables)
- Language disorders (difficulty understanding and using language)
- Childhood stuttering
We also offer consultations for adults who are struggling with aphasia or dyslexia. Our team of experts will work with you to design a plan that works best for you and your situation.
If you are interested in learning more about our services or setting up an appointment, please give us a call today!
