HealthInfo Canterbury
When to see a speech-language therapist
If you have any concerns with sudden or gradual changes in your communication or swallowing, it may be helpful to see a speech-language therapist.
For example:
- food or drink frequently goes down the wrong way
- food "sticks" in your throat after swallowing
- your voice sounds gurgly or wet after eating or drinking
- you need to swallow many times to clear each mouthful
- people ask you to repeat what you've said – either because your voice hasn't been loud enough or your speech is not clear
- you're having trouble putting your thoughts into speech (this may be as mild as forgetting the odd word)
- you're having difficulty making sense of books or magazines you previously enjoyed reading
- signing your name or writing things like cheques, shopping lists or emails is really challenging now
- people say your voice sounds different
- you're having difficulty getting your words out –stuttering or stammering
Also, consider seeking out a speech-language therapist if you're concerned about a family member or friend.
For example:
- conversations are becoming more difficult, such as when talking to a family member with dementia
- you're concerned your child is not using words or has only a few words compared to other children the same age
- people say they have difficulty understanding what your child is saying
- your baby takes a long time to feed and there are concerns about their weight
- your child regularly gags and chokes on foods that other children the same age manage easily
If you are unsure if you or a family member could benefit from speech-language therapy, talk it through with your GP.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created November 2020.
Review key: HISCD-79694
