How we can help people with production problems

Speech production is when speech sounds are put together and produced by a person with an intention of the listener being able to clearly understand what is being said. Production problems occur when people have difficulty with this.

Speech and language therapy can help individuals with production problems by supporting and improving their speech production, with the intention of achieving effective communication.

What are production problems?

Production problems occur when individuals have difficulties producing certain sounds correctly. This may lead to confusion and a person being misunderstood. Difficulties may be with certain speech sounds or with entire words. Production problems may also have an impact on expressive language either spoken or written.

What causes production problems?

Some causes of production problems are unknown; however some are outlined below:

• Neurological problems
• Hearing loss and impairments
• Speech disorders
• Learning difficulties
• Physical disabilities
• Head and neck cancer

What difficulties caused by production problems can SLT UK help with?

Speech and language therapy can help with attention, listening, expressive language, speech sound and communication difficulties arising from production problems:

How does speech and language therapy help production problems?

Speech and language therapy can help improve production problems, aiming to increase the clarity of speech production. This includes increasing discrimination and production of speech sounds, in words, phrases and sentences. In more severe cases, for example, after a stroke, the speech and language therapist may introduce Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) i.e. the use of a communication aid.

Speech and language therapy can be extremely beneficial for an individual with production problems, speech and language therapy may reduce a patient's stress and anxiety whilst increasing their confidence. This may open up more work and social opportunities for the individual as their language and communication continues to improve and strategies to communicate develop.

What would speech and language therapy treatment for production problems involve?

Speech and language therapy will involve a detailed assessment of speech and language by one of our speech and language therapists, then, the best treatment option for the individual’s specific needs will be decided. Speech and language therapy treatment may involve assessments, reports, reviews, therapy programmes, support groups, training, advice and education.

Specific therapy for individuals with production problems can include:

• Articulation therapy
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Compensatory strategies
• Eating, drinking and swallowing management

An initial assessment will be carried out by one of our speech and language therapists. This will highlight any worries and difficulties concerning communication and speech. It will also provide a chance for you to share any concerns you may have, and allow you to discuss what you would like to work on and improve.

Summary

Production problems are individual and specific; they can range from mild to severe and have many causes. If you feel you or someone you know would benefit from any of the above services for speech and language therapy then please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you feel you may benefit from speech and language therapy or would like any more information on our services please email office@slt.co.uk or call 0330 088 5643.