Supporting Patients Through Speech Therapy
What Is Speech Therapy?
Talking is important. It helps us speak with family, work, make friends, and live on our own. Sometimes, people have trouble talking or understanding others. This can happen because of sickness, injury, or slow growth. When this happens, a speech therapist can help. Speech therapy is provided by licensed speech‑language pathologists (SLPs), healthcare professionals trained to help people improve communication and understanding. Learn more about speech therapy and communication disorders from the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA). At Rush Memorial Hospital, our speech therapists help both children and adults who have trouble talking or understanding words.
Who can benefit?
Speech therapists show people new ways to talk. They show people new ways to get what others say. They help people who get well after being sick. They help people who get well after being hurt. They also help people with different conditions, such as:
- Brain and nerve problems: Stroke, head injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease
- Developmental issues: Intellectual disability, childhood developmental delays, autism, ADHD
- Other health issues: Physical disability, cancer, voice problems, sensory problems, stuttering
Common signs you may need speech therapy
- Trouble finding words or following conversations
- Slurred speech or changes after stroke/injury
- Voice changes/hoarseness that won’t go away
- Stuttering that affects confidence
- A child not meeting speech/language milestones
For more information on signs and conditions that may benefit from speech therapy, visit the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA).
How to Get Help
If you or someone you know needs help with speaking or understanding, call 765-932-7498 to make an appointment with a speech therapist at Rush Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Therapy.