Speech therapy is a type of therapy that helps people improve their communication skills. It is provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), who are trained to assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Speech therapy can help people of all ages, from infants to adults. Some of the most common conditions that speech therapy can help with include: Articulation disorders: These are problems with pronouncing sounds correctly. Language disorders: These are problems with understanding or using language. Fluency disorders: These are problems with the flow of speech, such as stuttering. Voice disorders: These are problems with the quality of the voice, such as hoarseness or breathiness. Swallowing disorders: These are problems with swallowing food or liquid safely. Speech therapy can also help people with communication difficulties caused by other conditions, such as autism, stroke, or brain injury. During a speech therapy session, the SLP will work with the client to identify their specific communication goals. Then, they will develop a treatment plan to help the client achieve those goals. Treatment may involve individual or group sessions, and may include a variety of activities, such as: Practicing correct pronunciation Learning new vocabulary and grammar Improving conversational skills Developing coping mechanisms for stuttering Strengthening the vocal cords Learning safe swallowing techniques Speech therapy can be a very effective way to improve communication skills and quality of life. If you or someone you know has a communication difficulty, talk to your doctor about getting a referral to an SLP. Here are some tips for finding a good speech therapist: Ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your local school district or hospital to see if they offer speech therapy services. Search for speech therapists in your area online. Read reviews of speech therapists before you schedule an appointment. Once you have found a few potential speech therapists, schedule a consultation to see if they are a good fit for you or your child.