Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, and swallowing related disorders.

Speech and language problems can result from hearing loss, brain injury or deterioration, cerebral palsy, stroke, cleft palate, voice pathology, mental retardation, or emotional problems. Problems can be congenital, developmental or acquired. Some of the most common speech and language disorders include:

• Aphasia - The loss or reduction of expressive or receptive speech and language abilities, spoken or written.
• Language Delay - Slowness in the development of vocabulary and grammar required to express and understand thoughts and ideas. This may be in combination with slow development in other areas, or it may be a specific language delay.
• Stuttering - A dysfluency in the production of speech. This may include sound, syllable, or word repetitions, pauses, and sound prolongations.
• Articulation disorders - The omission of a sound or the replacement of a sound with another.
• Dysarthria - Speech disorders that result in weakness, abnormal tone, or abnormal reflexes, which reduce speech intelligibility.
• Apraxia - Difficulty in learning and or executing the movements for speech production.
• Voice Disorders - These include a change in vocal quality (hoarse, breathy or nasal) and inappropriate pitch or loudness.

Speech-language pathologists use written and oral tests, as well as special instruments, to diagnose the nature and extent of impairment and to record and analyze speech, language, and swallowing irregularities. All impairments are addressed through development of an individualized plan of care, tailored to each patient's needs.

For individuals with little or no speech capability, speech-language pathologists may select augmentative or alternative communication methods, including automated devices and sign language. They teach these individuals how to make sounds, improve their voices or increase their language skills to communicate more effectively. Speech-language pathologists help patients develop or recover reliable communication skills so patients can fulfill their educational, vocational and social roles.

Locations

Click on the links below for contact information or to make an appointment:

• Shands Rehab Center for Kids at Magnolia Parke (NW Gainesville)
• Shands Rehab Center at Magnolia Parke (NW Gainesville)
• Shands Rehab Hospital (NW Gainesville)
• Shands Lake Shore (Lake City)