Rehabilitation Psychology For Speech Disorders!

Speech disorders refer to the conditions that affect an individual’s ability to form sounds that allow them to communicate with others. They are not the same as language disorders. Speech disorders stop people from producing correct speech sounds. A language disorder, on the other hand, affects one’s ability to comprehend language and learn words. Nevertheless, both disorders make it difficult for a person to express feelings and thoughts in front of others.

Types of Speech Disorders

Speech disorders can affect anyone, at any age. Some common types of speech disorders are the following –

• Stuttering – This type of speech problem interrupts your normal speech flow. Frustration, excitement, or stress can cause stuttering to become more serious.

• Apraxia – This refers to brain damage resulting in impediment of an individual’s motor skills. Speech Apraxia specifically refers to the damage of motor skills affecting a person’s ability to create speech sounds correctly, even if they are aware of the right words.

• Dysarthria – This occurs when brain damage causes the face muscles – lips, tongue, or throat – to weaken. Muscle weakness in certain body parts can make it difficult for a person to speak correctly.

Symptoms of Speech Disorders

If you have a speech disorder, you are likely to experience symptoms such as –

• Prolonging or repeating sounds

• Distorting sounds

• Adding syllables or sounds to words

• Rearranging syllables

• Difficulty in pronouncing 

Psychological Rehabilitation for Speech Problems

Psychological rehabilitation includes certain programs like speech therapy and physical exercises that help the disabled person cope with the physical as well as emotional aspects of the impairment. 

The rehabilitation program provides support to the patient when performing routine activities, which might be challenging to cope with otherwise when you have a certain speech disorder. A team of professionals offer assistance with behaviours, emotions, and developing coping skills.