“Speak Well, Hear Well, Live Well”: May is Speech and Hearing Month
Speech Matters
by Cheryl D. Lindsay M.S. S-LP
The month of May has been designated by the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, (CASLPA), as Speech and Hearing Awareness Month.
“One out of ten Canadians lives with a serious communication disorder.” (Source: www.caslpa.ca )
The goal for speech-language pathologists and audiologists is to enhance one’s quality of life by improving communication skills.
It is important that speech and hearing problems be identified as early as possible. In the past few years, and again this year, free speech and hearing screenings are being offered at the Early Years Centre, in Hanover, (ph. 519-376-8088).
A speech-language pathologist, (S-LP), is able to help assess, diagnose and treat many aspects of disordered communication. These include:
- Voice: clarity, volume, pitch, hoarseness
- Articulation, or, how sounds are produced
- Receptive language, or, understanding
- Expressive language, or speaking
- Swallowing
- Dysfluency or stuttering
- Respiration
- Apraxia or motor planning
- Phonological processing
An SLP, as part of a health care team, is also able to help people who have communication challenges as part of, or, in conjunction with, other diagnoses such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
- Down syndrome
- Pierre-Robin Syndrome
- Acquired Brain Injury, (ABI)
- Central Auditory Processing Disorder
- Cleft palate
- Cerebral Palsy
Communication delays or disorders that affect children in infancy to preschool years, may have consequences that affect success in school, both socially and academically. Early identification and treatment can be critical to a child’s success.
If you are concerned about any aspect of your, or a family member’s communication, speech language pathologists and audiologists are here to help. To find a qualified professional in your area, visit www.caslpa.ca.
(Next Month: Taking care of your voice)