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Communication difficulties

The speech and language therapist will work with you to understand your concerns around communication, carrying out a personalised assessment with you. They will help to identify strengths in your communication skills, and areas that you might need some help with.

After your assessment, the speech and language therapist may recommend a number of therapy sessions, or specific techniques to support with communication. The aims of therapy may include:

  • Improving ability to use spoken or written words to express yourself
  • Improving understanding of spoken or written words
  • Improving clarity and fluency of speech
  • Working with adults who stammer
  • Increasing confidence with communicating
  • Improving voice quality
  • Advice and training for your family and friends about how best to support your communication

The speech and language therapist may consider how other methods support you to communicate, such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC can be used to support or replace speech and includes a range of strategies such as using pictures, written words, signing and pointing. Some people may need a communication book or a computer-based communication aid.