Speech-Language
Pathology
Treatment for Communication and Swallowing Disorders
Children dealing with speech disorders may have a difficult time communicating, swallowing, or eating. This is a difficult situation for the children and their families. As a parent, it can be troubling not being able to understand your child. Thankfully, there are many treatments for these conditions that can make it possible for you and your child to have great communication.
Contact Information
Our SLPs work with multidisciplinary teams such as Craniofacial/Plastics, ENT, and Developmental Pediatrics.
We can be found on all the children’s units of the hospital.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a professional who assesses and treats communication and swallowing disorders.
This includes a patient’s ability to speak fluently, understand language, and eat and drink without discomfort. Sidra Medicine’s SLP team works with pediatric patients in outpatient clinics and inpatient units.
We offer special assessment, advice, and help for children between the ages of 0 and 18 who have difficulties with communication, including:
- Speech production and voice
- Talking
- Paying attention and listening
- Understanding and interacting with others
- Communicating through alternative means, such as hand signals of pictures
Creating a Fun, Personal Experience for Each Patient
Children have a difficult time explaining what might be preventing them from speaking or communicating clearly. Instead of interrogating patients, our SLPs observe children playing and speak with families to learn more about their activities and behaviors.
In learning more about what your child is interested in, we can develop games and activities that are fun for them and teach them new communication skills. This method actually gets children interested and excited in improving communication, making the experience feel more like a fun goal rather than a chore.
Our SLPS often work with other clinics, including:
- Videofluoroscopy clinic – To assess how safely a child is swallowing using an x-ray
- Behavioral feeding clinic – To see children with developmental and behavioral issues that involve eating
- ENT and craniofacial – To see children with cleft lip and palates, hearing difficulties, tracheostomies, and voice difficulties
- HRIF – To support children with feeding difficulties and speech and language development after they have left NICU
- Developmental Pediatrics – To provide assessment and advice on children’s speech and language skills
Improving Feeding and Swallowing
For issues with feeding and swallowing, our SLPs will again observe the child’s behaviors. We will need to see how they attempt swallowing in order to determine the root of the problem. From there, we can gradually teach them new behaviors that will make swallowing safer and less painful. If eating meals is difficult for your child, we can help them find a way to enjoy feeding time and provide your family with ways you can continue this treatment at home. We can also provide referrals to other medical services as needed.
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