Adult Services

Aphasia is a language disorder that happens when one has brain damage. Aphasia may make it hard for someone to understand, speak, read, and/or write. It does not make one less smart or cause problems with the way one thinks.

Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder and is sometimes called acquired apraxia of speech, verbal apraxia, or dyspraxia. When one has apraxia of speech, the messages from your brain to your mouth do not get through correctly, due to brain damage. One might not be able to move his or her lips or tongue the right way to make sounds. Sometimes, one might not be able to speak at all.

Individuals who have different backgrounds may have different accents from different regions of the U.S. or from other countries. Speech-language pathologists can work with these individuals to modify their speaking patterns to be better understood and communicate in an educational or professional setting in the U.S.

A voice disorder occurs when voice quality, pitch, and/or loudness differ or are inappropriate for an individual's age, gender, cultural background, or geographic location. A voice disorder is present when an individual expresses concern about having an abnormal voice that does not meet daily needs—even if others do not perceive it as different or deviant.

There are many professions that require a person to use their voice in very specific ways. These include but are not limited to actors, singers, teachers, coaches, sales people, and customer service representatives. These professionals often seek support from a speech-language pathologists who specializes in voice training. In this role, speech therapists can help someone learn to safely project their voice, learn new strategies for public speaking, reduce the amount of unnecessary words in their speech (ie. um, uh, like) and generally learn to speak in a way that conveys a high level of professionalism through verbal communication.

Swallowing disorders can happen after surgery, due to injury, or due to brain damage. Symptoms can occur in the oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal stages of the swallowing process. Dysphagia can lead to reduced nutrition or hydration, less enjoyment eating or drinking socially, and/or risk of food or liquid entering the airway (aspiration). Speech therapists may help with safe swallowing strategies, diet modifications, and strengthening exercises.

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder in which the muscles of the mouth, face, voice box (larynx), and respiratory system may be weak or move slowly after brain damage.