The ability to speak is unique to man. However, we rarely perceive our speaking ability as a complex process, thereby undermining its contribution to human communication. This is because we learn to speak apparently without effort.

Only when there is a delay /deviance in speaking skills does one realize all the processes that are involved in just saying a word.

Communication is vital for us humans and any disruption in it can cause immense difficulty. The treatment for communication problems is a growing field in India. A Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist is a specialist in treating all types of Communication Disorders in children and adults.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs):

They are health care professionals, educated and trained to evaluate and treat children and adults with speech, language, and swallowing problems. They provide a variety of professional services aimed at helping people develop effective communication skills. Audiologists work with individuals experiencing problems in hearing, balancing and other related problems, in collaboration with a team comprising of a pediatrician, ENT specialist and a psychologist.

Qualification:

A qualified SLP would have a Bachelors and /or Masters degree in Speech and Hearing. SLPs deal with language as well as speech problems.

Assessment:

The assessment tools for diagnosing a speech and language disorder consists of different test batteries. These test batteries are designed to elicit speech and language samples from the client. These samples are then compared to the normal standard to decide the severity of the problem.

Treatment:

Treatment is based on either technique to improve product or speech correction/modify technique. Today, computers are used to assist the clinician in coming to a diagnosis and also in treatment. Since, there are no instant remedies for Communication Disorders, treatment duration varies from a few weeks to months, and in some cases a few years too.

Referral:

A client is generally referred either by a doctor, or a teacher, or a friend. It is important to take a child to a SLP whenever the parents are in doubt about their child's speech or language development. Success of treatment is higher in children than in adults. Lack of awareness of the fact that speech and language problems can be treated lead people to live a life with lack of communication.

However it is important to remember that the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance the child has to develop normally. The duration of treatment is also comparatively less as the first five years of the child are the "language learning" years. Hence, the importance of getting professional advice at the earliest cannot be over emphasized.