Neurological problems

At Manchester SLT we provide a highly specialised treatment service for children with neurological problems. We treat any speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties which are associated with neurological disorders.

What are neurological disorders?

A neurological disorder occurs due to injury or damage to the central nervous system (brain, nerves and spinal cord). Speech, language, communication and swallowing are all controlled by the central nervous system; therefore any damage to the central nervous system will cause difficulties in these areas.

There are many neurological disorders which can occur in childhood, some may be congenital (from birth) e.g. cerebral palsy, whilst others may be acquired later in life e.g. due to a head injury, stroke or infection.

The type and severity of difficulties will vary for each child and be dependent on the area(s) of the brain that have been damaged and also the extent of the damage. Children may experience a wide range of difficulties in areas of their speech, language, communication and swallowing.

Speech and language therapy at Manchester SLT will be beneficial in helping to support any difficulties as a result of neurological disorders.

What problems caused by neurological disorders can speech and language therapy help with?

Neurological disorders can result in a range of difficulties in areas of speech, language, communication and swallowing. The type and severity of these difficulties will vary for each individual. Neurological disorders can result in the following problems:

• Speech disorders - any difficulties with the pronunciation of speech sounds
• Expressive language difficulties - any difficulties expressing information via spoken, written or non-verbal communication.
• Receptive language difficulties - any difficulties understanding spoken, written or non-verbal communication.
• Social communication difficulties - any difficulties expressing or understanding social communication which include social use of language, emotions, non-verbal communication, turn-taking in conversation and tone of voice.
• Voice disorders - any difficulties with the pitch, volume or quality of a child's voice from what is classed as normal for their age and gender.
• Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties

Neurological disorders can vary in severity from mild to severe, in more severe cases a child may have extremely limited communication or eating and drinking abilities, and may not be able to communicate or eat and drink at all.

Neurological disorders can have a huge impact on the child and their parent / carer's lives.

Neurological disorder can disrupt a child's development in many areas including their speech, language and communication development. It can additionally affect their social, emotional and play development.

How can Speech and Language Therapy help children with neurological disorders?

Speech and language therapy is extremely beneficial for individuals with neurological disorders who are experiencing difficulties in their speech, language, communication and swallowing.

Speech and language therapy will focus on helping the child to regain, develop and improve any speech, language, communication or swallowing abilities which have been affected by the child's neurological disorder.

At Manchester SLT we will provide you with one of our highly specialised paediatric speech and language therapists who specialise in treating children with neurological disorders.

One of our therapists will carry out an initial assessment which will determine the type and severity of difficulties the child is experiencing and also what areas of development their difficulties are impacting on. Following an initial assessment the speech and language therapist will create an individualised treatment plan which will be tailored to the individual's specific needs and abilities.

There are a variety of treatment methods available for helping the difficulties experienced by children with neurological disorders. The type of treatment chosen will be dependent on the child's specific difficulties, the type of neurological disorder they have and their overall ability.

Different treatment options available may include:

• Speech programmes
• Language programmes
• Social skills programmes
• Oral ' motor exercises
• Eating, drinking and swallowing management
• Activities for attention and listening
• Home programmes
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Parent or carer groups
• Training
• Advice and support for parents, carers and other professionals
• Alternative methods of communication ' for children who have limited or no spoken language as a result of their neurological disorder.

Our speech and language therapists will work closely with the child, their family and others involved in their care e.g. educational staff to in order to gain the best possible outcome for the child in their home, educational and social environments.

How can I book a speech and language therapy appointment for neurological disorders?

If you feel that our services at the Manchester SLT would be beneficial and would like to book an appointment with one of our specialist speech and language therapists please email info@manchesterslt.co.uk or calling 0161 883 0111.