Frequently Asked Questions

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a highly-trained professional who evaluates and treats children and adults who have difficulty with speech or language.    An SLP also evaluates and treats children and adults who have difficulty swallowing food or liquid. Speech/language pathologists assess and treat patients who have swallowing, speech, language, voice, fluency or oral motor disorders.    They also assist people who wish to improve their communication skills through changes in vocal clarity, pitch, quality or accent.  

Developmental (language) Delays Articulation and Phonological Disorders Receptive and Expressive Language Disorders Motor Speech Disorders Hearing Impairments Cleft Palate Fluency/Stuttering Auditory Processing Disorders Pragmatic/Social Language Disorders Voice Disorders & Problems Selective Mutism Feeding & Swallowing Disorders Communication or Eating and Swallowing Problems Following Neurological Impairments and Degenerative Conditions: Stroke, Head Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and Dementia

Speech and language pathologists utilize special instruments, tests and tools to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.   Prevention Screenings Assessment Treatment Education Behavioral Modifications  Consultation Research 

Universal Connections Speech Pathology accepts most major health plans. Please contact us with specific questions.

Speech therapy includes: voice, fluency, language, articulation therapy and/or swallowing therapy depending on the individual needs of the patient.

Through speech (articulation) therapy, patients learn how to communicate more clearly through physical and mental exercises that help their brain and body grow more accustomed to speaking clearly and correctly.

Language therapy is often divided up into the ability to use language (Expressive Language) and the ability to understand language (Receptive Language) as well as the social parameters of language (Pragmatic Language).

Language therapy targets vocabulary and the ability to put words together to form sentences. Language therapy may also address listening skills, the ability to follow verbal directions, and understanding spoken language. In children, therapy may also treat social communication disorders and deficits in written language and reading comprehension.

Dysphagia Therapy is the treatment of swallow disorders from a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, strokes, cognitive decline, neurological impairments. 

Treatment includes exercises and compensatory strategies to improve or maintain swallow function.  

Through therapy, swallowing maneuvers change the timing or strength of the movements of swallowing to safely move food or liquid in the mouth and throat safely to the esophagus. Modification of food and liquid consistencies often improves control of food allowing for safe oral intake.