5 Common Questions about Speech Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy, more commonly known as Speech Therapy, provides care, support and treatment for children and adults who may have communication difficulties. Although it’s been practised for decades, it’s not always very clear what it is. Here’s our attempt at answering most of your questions. Please feel free to reach out to contact@noala.co if you need more information, we’re here to support you.

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What do Speech Therapists do?

• Speech professionals (SLP) empower individuals to find their voice, enabling them to develop their communication skills.
• During your first session with a speech professionals, an assessment will be conducted to assess your understanding, use of language, and overall communication skills. Based on that assessment, the speech professional will then develop a tailored therapy plan, usually, at least 6 weeks, so that together you can reach your goals.
• Speech professionals can work with both children and adults. They can work with children to improve their expressive language (clearly articulating their thoughts, feelings, and ideas) and receptive language (the ability to process and comprehend language). They can also work as part of a rehabilitation team, and support adults to recover their communication skills after a stroke or illness (such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or ALS).

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What’s the difference between language therapy, speech sound therapy and feeding and swallowing therapy?

• SLPs can foster the development of foundational language skills. This can help children further develop their speaking and literacy skills. To do so, an SLP will use games and pictures to encourage language development through play and talk.
• Speech therapy also focuses on the production of sound and articulation. SLPs use modelling techniques, showing how to clearly articulate sounds, words and sentences. These strategies can be adapted depending on the age of the patient and the speech error persistence.
• SLPs can also help with oral motor issues, suggesting exercises to strengthen the mouth muscles. This type of therapy can also include a change in diet, with different food textures.

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How much does Speech Therapy cost?

• Speech therapy generally costs anywhere from $100 to $250 (£85 to £220) a session. You can also be charged extra one-off costs, such as a fee for an evaluation (typically a few hundred dollars), or penalties for cancelled and rescheduled appointments.
• At noala, we’re on a mission to make Speech and Language Therapy mainstream. That’s why our session costs only $35 (£30).
• Private insurance can sometimes cover Speech Therapy costs.

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How long does Speech Therapy last?

Although the frequency and duration of a speech therapy plan depends on one’s condition, age, underlying condition and frequency of treatment. It usually starts with a 6 week program and builds up from there, depending on progress.

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Is online Speech Therapy really effective?

• Many research papers have compared online versus in-person settings. More specifically, research conducted at Kent State University and by the Ohio Department of Public Education, found that children made similar progress toward their communication goals regardless of how speech therapy was delivered. To measure progress, they used GFTA-2 scores (Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation), a popular and credible test used to assess speech articulation in children and adults.
• Based on a strong body of evidence, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which is the credentialing association for speech-language pathologists, recognised online speech therapy in 2005 as a valid means of therapy delivery.
• If you would like to read more about online speech therapy, refer to our research collection here.

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Please feel free to reach out to our team via email; contact@noala.co if you need more information, we’re here to support you.