Speech Therapy for Adults 

There are many ways Speech Therapy for Adults can be beneficial. At SpeechEase, we work with a variety of adult clients across our three Queensland Speech Therapy clinics – and we love it! 

From voice and swallowing challenges through to communication disorders, there are many areas in which targeted Speech Therapy for Adults can make a difference. Keep reading to learn more about what Speech Therapy can do for adults and how to get started on your therapy journey.  

  

What is covered during Speech Therapy for Adults? 

For adult clients, there are a variety of areas in which seeing a Speech Pathologist can help to alleviate stress, improve outcomes, and positively impact quality of life. Here are a few common areas we address in Speech Therapy for Adults: 

 

Swallowing Difficulties 

Comprehensive assessment and treatment for swallowing difficulties can improve quality of life and bring back the enjoyment of eating and drinking! If you or someone you love are experiencing swallowing difficulties and suspect Dysphagia, contact a Speech Pathologist today. Swallowing difficulties can be dangerous is left untreated, potentially leading to aspiration (food or water entering the lungs) which can cause pneumonia which can be life threatening.  

 

Parkinson’s Disease 

Do you want to be heard and not have to repeat yourself? Do you want to control saliva and enjoy food and drink again? There are proven and effective Speech Therapy options for speech, voice, and swallowing difficulties associated with Parkinson’s Disease. LSVT Loud is an effective treatment option for those with Parkinson’s Disease and is something that we use the principles of as part of our Speech Therapy for Adults treatment approach.  

 

Voice and Cognitive Disorders 

After an acquired brain injury (ABI), you may experience slurred speech, communication problems, cognitive (thinking) difficulties, or even challenges with social skills that impact your ability to return to your usual activities. Seeking out Speech Therapy for Adults soon after symptoms arise can help you to get back on track and living your day-to-day life. 

 

Stroke 

After a stroke you may have difficulty finding the right words, reading, writing/spelling, or you may have unclear speech. Targeted Speech Therapy can help to improve your ability to express yourself. Other brain injuries can also cause significant challenges with communication and/or swallowing that are worth exploring with the help of a Speech Pathologist. 

  

What does Speech Therapy for Adults look like? 

Depending on your unique circumstances and challenges, your Speech Pathologist will work with you to create a targeted Speech Therapy plan to help you achieve your goals. Your initial Speech Therapy appointment will be focused on getting background information and potentially completing an assessment to diagnose specific challenges like voice disorders.  

After your initial appointment, you’ll meet with your Speech Pathologist on a regular basis for targeted Speech Therapy sessions tailored to meet your specific needs. For example, Speech Therapy may include retraining of swallowing function if an injury or medical condition, such as Parkinson’s Disease or Oral Cancer, have impacted swallowing.  

 

In Speech Therapy for Adults, we often focus on helping our clients with: 

• finding the right words when they speak 
• using the telephone 
• planning what they’re going to say 
• making their speech sounds clear or loud 
• having a voice that is heard without straining 

• enjoying the food and drink that they like 

  

Can Adults take part in Speech Therapy from home? 

There are many Speech Pathologists that provide home services for adults seeking Speech Therapy. Another potential option for adults wishing to take part in Speech Therapy from home is to engage in regular Teletherapy Speech Therapy sessions. 

Receiving targeted Speech Therapy from home helps individuals to avoid transportation concerns and can be especially useful for those who live in remote areas. Teletherapy can also support the generalisation of skills into everyday life.  

Ideally, an initial Speech Therapy session would take place in-person in a clinic setting, and there may be instances in where only face-to-face sessions are suitable for a particular client’s therapy needs, so it’s always best to discuss this with your chosen Speech Pathologist.  

  

What are the benefits of Speech Therapy for Adults? 

There are so many benefits to pursuing tailored Speech Therapy for Adults. Regardless of the challenge you or your loved one are currently facing, we’ve found that many adults experience a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem as a result of ongoing Speech Therapy.  

As you already know from experience, being able to communicate with those around you plays a big part in adult life and building relationships with others. Improving swallow function and ensuring a safe swallow at mealtimes can also have a significant impact on an individual’s happiness and overall quality of life.  

 

For more information on Speech Therapy for Adults, take a look at the services offered at SpeechEase Speech Therapy. We have three private practice clinics across Queensland, including Townsville, Mackay, and Brisbane.