Care Team, Therapy & Support

Speech-language therapy

Speech-language therapy helps a child develop communication skills and can support feeding and swallowing.

In short: Speech-language therapy

  • It supports communication and language development.
  • It can also help with feeding and swallowing.
  • It is provided by a speech-language pathologist.
  • It is often part of early intervention.

What it is

It is a therapy focused on developing communication and language skills, and it can also support feeding and swallowing. It is provided by a speech-language pathologist.

Understanding Speech-language therapy

For a child with encephalocele who has communication or feeding needs, speech-language therapy can support the development of language and communication and, when needed, help with feeding and swallowing (which can be relevant in some craniofacial conditions). The therapist tailors activities to the child's goals and works with the family. This therapy is often part of early intervention and ongoing support, complementing physical and occupational therapies.

Why it matters

Understanding speech-language therapy helps families see how communication is supported and that the same specialists can help with feeding and swallowing, which can be important in some craniofacial situations.

Common questions

What does speech-language therapy help with?

Communication, language, and sometimes feeding and swallowing.

Who provides it?

A speech-language pathologist.

Is it part of early intervention?

Often yes.

Bottom line

Speech-language therapy supports communication and can help with feeding and swallowing, often as part of early intervention.

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