SPEECH DISORDERS
Speech disorders are communication disorders where individuals have difficulty producing speech sounds correctly or fluently, or problems with voice quality. These challenges can significantly affect academic performance, social interaction, and emotional well-being. Early and specialized intervention is vital for improving outcomes.
Psychowellness Center, a leading mental health and wellness facility in West Delhi, offers a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to the assessment and treatment of speech disorders. Their multidisciplinary team, including speech-language pathologists and psychologists, collaborates to identify the root causes and provide individualized therapy plans.
Speech therapy, the primary mode of intervention, focuses on enhancing articulation, fluency, voice quality, and language comprehension. At Psychowellness Center, the emphasis lies not only on speech correction but also on improving confidence, communication, and social integration. With expert care and patient-centric treatment, meaningful progress is achievable.
1. Articulation Disorder: Difficulty in physically producing certain sounds correctly.
2. Fluency Disorder: Disruptions in the natural flow of speech, such as stuttering or cluttering.
3. Voice Disorder: Abnormalities in pitch, volume, or vocal quality that distract from speech.
4. Resonance Disorder: Speech sound altered due to improper airflow through oral or nasal cavities.
5. Apraxia of Speech: Motor planning disorder affecting the ability to coordinate speech movements.
6. Dysarthria: Weakness or incoordination of speech muscles due to neurological damage.
7. Selective Mutism: The habit of speaking in one social setting but remaining silent in another.
Multiple factors may contribute to the development of a speech disorder:
Neurological disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, brain injury)
Developmental delays
Hearing impairments
Family history of speech or language disorders
Certain syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome)
Lack of stimulation or verbal interaction in early years
Psychological trauma or anxiety (e.g., selective mutism)
Chronic ear infections during developmental stages
Professionals gather information about developmental milestones, family history, and symptom onset
Observation of the child or adult in various settings
Articulation tests to evaluate the clarity and accuracy of speech
Fluency assessments to identify stuttering or cluttering patterns
Voice evaluations including pitch, quality, and resonance
Hearing tests to rule out auditory impairments
Neurological and ENT consultations if needed
Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation (GFTA)
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF)
Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI)
Speech disorders are treatable with consistent therapy, though duration varies by individual. A multidisciplinary approach ensures optimal progress.
Delivered by certified speech-language pathologists, therapy includes:
Articulation therapy (sound production practice)
Fluency therapy (strategies for smoother speech)
Voice therapy (vocal exercises and breath support)
Resonance therapy (oral-motor exercises and feedback)
advantageous for speech disorders that involve behavioral or emotional aspects, like:
Low self-esteem due to speech challenges
Selective mutism
Goals of Therapy:
Improve speech intelligibility
Enhance self-expression and communication confidence
Promote social and academic participation
Support emotional well-being
Evidence-Based Therapies:
