CEREBRAL PALSY AND SPEECH THERAPY

In case of cerebral palsy patients, speech therapy can help in developing better control over jaw and mouth muscles which can help in improving language and speech skills and eating abilities of children suffering from cerebral palsy.

Speech therapy also helps in developing creative communication methods for patients who cannot speak. In this case a speech and language therapist will work with the infant on communication skills. This involves talking or use of sign language or use of communication aid.

Cerebral palsy and speech therapy tend to be entwined since the first diagnosis of the condition and speech therapy tends to evolve. Speech therapy tends to help patient in correcting speech disorders and improving listening skills. The duration of particular speech therapy program tends to vary depending on the degree of cerebral palsy being treated and response of the patient to speech therapy. Speech therapy tends to be performed by speech pathologist involving regular meetings with the therapist in not only one on one or group setting but even home exercises.

The level of speech therapy tends to be determined by ability of the patient to communicate. Speech therapists can help in building their language skills by learning new words or improving their listening skills.