Speech pathology is not just for children; it plays a crucial role in helping adults overcome communication challenges that can arise from various conditions, such as stroke, brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, or even chronic voice issues. At Unified Speech Pathology, we provide tailored therapy for adults who are experiencing difficulties with speech, language, voice, or swallowing. Our goal is to help individuals regain their communication abilities, improve their quality of life, and enhance their ability to engage in social, professional, and daily activities. Whether addressing speech clarity, voice disorders, aphasia, or cognitive-communication impairments, our experienced speech pathologists work closely with each client to develop a personalised therapy plan that meets their specific needs.
How can a Speech Pathologist assist in the adult population?
Our approach to adult speech therapy is comprehensive and compassionate. We understand that communication challenges can have a profound impact on an individual’s independence, confidence, and social interactions.
Language
Expressive language refers to how we share our needs, thoughts and feelings. Receptive language refers to how we understand and process what others say or what we read.
We assess, manage and treat adults who present with language delays/disorders and acquired difficulties, such as Aphasia. Language difficulties may be experienced after specific medical events such as a Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury or a Brain Tumour. They may also be experience by people who have progressive conditions such as Dementia.
Difficulties with language can present as difficulties with one or a combination of the following:
- Expressive language
- Receptive language
- Literacy
- Written communication
- Cognition (attention, memory and executive function)
- High level language (problem solving)
- Social communication
Dysarthria
Dysarthria refers to a disorder that is caused by weakness of the muscles or muscle incoordination. This can be interpreted as “slurred speech”. We assess, manage and treat adults who present with Dysarthria.
Speech Pathologists can assist an individual with Dysarthria by:
- Reducing speech rate
- Using other ways to communicate (e.g. through AAC)
- Breathing strategies
- Articulation strategies.
AAC - Augmentative and Alternative Communication
AAC refers to any form of communication for individuals with significant difficulties expressing their needs, wants and ideas. For example, this can take the form of a communicative device.
We aim to assess, prescribe and train individuals and their carers in using multimodal communication.
AAC may include:
- Key Word Sign
- Low Tech AAC options (e.g. communication books)
- High Tech AAC options (e.g. physical devices and software such as Proloquo2go).
Voice
This refers to how we use our vocal folds to make sounds. Our voices can vary in volume, tone and/or pitch. Our voice can be impacted by significant health events or misuse of our voice.
An individual with voice difficulties may experience changes in their volume, pitch or hoarseness. This may be a result of diagnoses of Parkinson’s Disease or Huntington’s Disease.
Dysaphagia
Dysphagia, a condition characterised by difficulty or discomfort when swallowing, can significantly impact an individual’s ability to eat and drink safely, leading to potential risks such as choking, aspiration, malnutrition, and dehydration. At Unified Speech Pathology, we specialise in the assessment and management of dysphagia for adults who face these challenges. Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of the individual’s swallowing function, identifying the specific difficulties they experience and the underlying causes. This assessment allows us to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each client, focusing on improving their ability to swallow safely and comfortably.
We believe in taking a holistic approach to dysphagia management, which involves working closely with the individual, their carers, and their broader support team.
Stuttering
We provide comprehensive assessments and tailored therapy to help adults manage their stuttering, recognising that this condition often involves more than just speech disruptions. Our approach includes teaching specific speech restructuring techniques designed to promote smoother, more fluent speech. These techniques focus on modifying speech patterns, such as slowing down the rate of speech, using gentle onsets, and practicing breath control to reduce the frequency and severity of stuttering episodes.
In addition to the physical aspects of stuttering, we also address the emotional and psychological components, particularly the anxiety that can accompany and exacerbate stuttering. We understand that stuttering can lead to feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and social anxiety, which may further impact communication.
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Get In Touch
Please give us a call or use the form to submit an enquiry. Our services are accessible in clinic at 20 The Strand Penshurst.
We service Sydney and surrounding areas, Blue Mountains, Illawarra area & Central Coast with our mobile service & Australia wide through our telehealth service.
Mobile, Telehealth or In Clinic Service
We offer convenient mobile services where our speech pathologists come to you, or you can opt for our telehealth services to receive quality care from anywhere in Australia, and also in clinic services at our accessible and convenient location at 20 The Strand Penshurst.
