Speech pathologists are also sometimes referred to as speech therapists. This field of pathology consists of applying skills to evaluate, diagnose and treat disorders associated with language, speech, voice, cognitive communication and swallowing. These specialists work with individuals who do not have the ability to produce sounds or have difficulty producing them clearly. They also work with individuals who have problems with fluency, vocal rhythm and voice disorders such as stuttering or inappropriate pitch. Those with swallowing problems can also benefit from working with a pathologist in Madison Mississippi.

There are a wide variety of reasons that can cause individuals to need the help of a speech pathologist. These can include brain injury, stroke, learning disabilities, cleft palate, cerebral palsy, hearing loss and mental retardation. Problems can be of a developmental, congenital or an acquired nature. By using quantitative and qualitative assessments, special instruments and standardized tests, they can analyze and determine the cause and extent of the problem.

When working with a speech therapist, they will develop a customized care plan, which will be designed to meet the patient’s needs. Patients who have a small amount or no vocalization ability can be helped by the therapist using alternative or augmentative communication methods, which can include sign language and automated devices. The therapist will provide teaching to the patient in how to use these communication methods. They will also educate patients in how to communicate better in improving sounds, voices and/or oral and written skills. When the patient suffers from swallowing difficulties, the pathologist can teach patients how to strengthen their muscles as well as how to use certain strategies for swallowing without inhaling food or choking.

The use of speech pathology in Madison Mississippi can help individuals to recover and develop communication skills as well as swallowing skills to help patients improve their quality of life in educational, social or vocational roles. As they maintain records on the patient’s initial evaluation and their progress, this helps them to identify any problems that may arise. They also provide their services to family members in helping them to understand and recognize any changes in the patient’s behavior that could impede their communication and/or treatment as well as teach them techniques for enhancing communication at home.

Speech pathologists work directly with patients and other medical professionals such as physicians and other therapists to provide improved communication and safe swallowing. They provide these services in clinical settings, medical facilities as well as schools for helping children with speech difficulties. Their school services can help the patient, parents and teachers in implementing and developing the child’s communication skills.