The ability to communicate and comprehend thoughts is the most powerful attribute of all human beings.  The spoken word is the most easily accessible communication tool available.  Imagine not being able to speak  or be understood.   How would you communicate needs, desires, feelings and ideas effectively?  And if you  had difficulty comprehending the words spoken to you, what would daily life be like?

At SLS of South Texas, our goal is to enable individuals with communication disorders  to attain effective communication skills for daily living and improved social and educational performance.  Speech therapy is available for individuals with: articulation disorders, phonological disorders, auditory processing disorders,  language disorders, aphasia, apraxia, stuttering,  voice problems and individuals with augmentative communication needs.  We work with children and adults with a variety of problems including but not limited to autism, mental retardation, developmental delays, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease.

Effective and safe swallowing skills are essential for maintaining good physical health and adequate nutrition for survival.  There are diseases and accidents that can cause difficulty with swallowing.  Some include:  Parkinson’s disease, ALS, MS, cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, GERD,  cancer and congenital anomalies. 

SLS can help individuals with swallowing disorders through evaluation and tx.  Evaluation includes a bedside swallow exam and a referral for a modified barium swallow study, in some cases.  Treatment techniques are geared to an individuals needs and may include:  Therapeutic activities and exercises, neuromuscular re-education, compensatory swallow strategies, and diet recommendations and modifications.