As a speech therapist that has worked within a variety of settings my all time favorite response to introducing myself was “ A speech therapist? But I talk just fine!”. When most people, like my previously mentioned patient, hear the term “speech therapist,” we typically picture a child practicing their “R” sounds—or maybe a kind adult helping them say “s” instead of “th.” While that is definitely part of the picture, speech therapy entails much much more.

As a loved one, it’s helpful to know all the areas a speech therapist can support your child, spouse, friend or parent. Whether your loved one is late to talk, struggling with social skills, recovering from a traumatic brain injury, or facing feeding/swallowing challenges, we’re here to help them communicate, connect, and thrive.

Let’s break down the main areas speech therapists treat—and how that can make a big difference in an individual’s everyday life.

1. Speech Sound Disorders/ Dysarthria

Is your loved one hard to understand? Do they leave out sounds or substitute one sound for another? Is their speech often muffled?

SLPs help individuals who:

Have trouble with articulation (e.g., saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”)
Use incorrect sound patterns (e.g., saying “tat” for “cat”)
Struggle with motor planning (like in childhood apraxia of speech)
Demonstrate weakness of oral muscles leading to “slurred” speech

Why it matters: Clear speech builds confidence and helps your loved one connect with their community

2. Language Delays and Disorders

Language is more than just talking—it’s understanding and using words to express thoughts, ask questions, and share ideas.

We support individuals who:

Aren’t talking as early as expected
Have trouble following directions or answering questions
Struggle to use full sentences or organize their thoughts
Have language difficulties related to developmental conditions (like autism)

Why it matters: Strong language skills lay the foundation for learning, reading, and staying involved

3. Social Communication (Pragmatics)

Some individuals have a hard time using language in social situations—even if their speech and vocabulary are fine.

We help with:

Taking turns in conversation
Reading body language and facial expressions
Understanding personal space and social cues
Using greetings, asking for help, or joining play and conversations appropriately
Why it matters: Social communication helps us to build relationships and navigate the world around us.

4. Stuttering (Fluency Disorders)

Does your loved one repeat sounds or words, stretch them out, or get “stuck” when talking?

SLPs can help individuals:

Reduce stuttering moments
Speak with more ease and confidence
Develop strategies to communicate clearly
Feel good about their voice and communication style

Why it matters: Everyone deserves to feel confident when they speak.

5. Voice Issues

Is your loved one’s voice raspy, hoarse, or unusually high or low?

We work on:

Healthy voice use (especially for kids who shout a lot and the overworked business man/woman)
Improving vocal tone, volume, and quality
Managing vocal nodules or other voice concerns with medical input

Why it matters: A strong, healthy voice is important for being heard and understood.

6. Feeding and Swallowing (Dysphagia)

Some individuals have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or trying new foods. This can be due to medical issues, developmental delays, or sensory challenges.

SLPs support individuals who:

Cough, gag, or choke when eating
Struggle with picky eating beyond typical stages
Have trouble advancing to solids or managing different textures

Why it matters: Eating is a big part of health, growth, and family life. We help make mealtimes safer and more enjoyable.

7. Cognitive-Communication Skills

For older individuals or those with brain injuries or developmental delays, communication may be impacted by thinking skills like memory or attention.

We address:

Following multi-step directions
Staying organized when speaking or writing
Remembering routines or tasks
Problem solving

Why it matters: These skills support success in everyday life.

8. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

For individuals who are nonverbal or have limited verbal speech, we use AAC to help them communicate in other ways.

This might include:

Picture-based systems (like PECS)
Speech-generating devices or communication apps
Teaching family members how to support AAC use

Why it matters: Everyone deserves a way to share their thoughts, needs, and personality.

Speech therapists wear many hats, but our goal is always the same: helping your loved one connect, learn, and thrive through communication. Whether your loved one is just starting to babble or facing more complex challenges, SLPs are here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re ever unsure whether your loved one might benefit from speech therapy, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re happy to answer questions and offer guidance.

Learn more

What Does a Speech Therapist Do?