Speech-language therapists Ngā kaiwhakahaumanu reo ā-waha

Speech-language therapists work with people of all ages who have difficulties with:

• language — skills with listening, speaking, reading and writing
• cognitive language — attention, memory, processing and problem-solving skills for language
• articulation — speech sound production
• fluency — stuttering and stammering
• voice
• social language interaction
• swallowing
• feeding development.

Speech-language therapists can work with you by yourself or in a group. They may also provide support, training or education to your friends and whānau.

They will first assess you. They may suggest different approaches. These will aim to support your ability to communicate and to make sure you can eat or drink safely. This may include:

• therapy exercises
• using specialist equipment
• suggesting ways to help make swallowing safer
• advising you on the safest texture of foods and drinks.

What does a speech-language therapist do? — YouTubeexternal link

If you are concerned about sudden or gradual changes in your swallowing or communication, you should see a speech-language therapist.

Swallowing difficulties can lead to complications such as chest infections or poor nutrition.

Concerns about swallowing may include:

• food or drink frequently going down the wrong way
• food 'sticking' in your throat after swallowing
• your voice sounding gurgly or wet after eating or drinking
• needing to swallow many times to clear each mouthful.

Concerns about communication may include:

• people asking you to repeat what you have said, either because your voice has not been loud enough or your speech is not clear
• having trouble putting your thoughts into speech (this may be as mild as forgetting the odd word)
• having difficulty making sense of books or magazines you previously enjoyed reading
• signing your name or writing things like shopping lists or emails is more challenging
• people saying your voice sounds different
• having difficulty getting your words out (stuttering or stammering).

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Speech and communication difficulties

You should also consider a speech-language therapist if you are concerned about a whānau member or friend.

Concerns may include:

• conversations becoming more difficult, such as when talking to a whānau member with dementia
• your tamaiti not using words, or only using a few words compared to other tamariki the same age
• people saying they have difficulty understanding what your tamaiti is saying
• your pēpi taking a long time to feed, and there are concerns about their weight
• your tamaiti regularly gagging and choking on foods that other tamariki the same age manage easily.

If you are unsure if you or a whānau member could benefit from speech-language therapy, talk it through with your healthcare provider.

Communication development — KidsHealthexternal link

Concerned about your child's development? — KidsHealthexternal link

There are criteria for publicly funded speech-language therapy. If you meet the criteria, your healthcare provider can refer you. There is no cost for these services.

If you do not meet the criteria, you can pay to see a private speech-language therapist. You can also go to a private speech-language therapist if you want to be seen more quickly.

If you need speech-language therapy because of an injury, you may be able to get funding from ACC.

Speech-language therapists have a degree in speech-language therapy. They work in:

• hospitals
• schools
• aged care facilities
• speech-language clinics.

Sometimes they can visit you at home. Some speech-language therapists also work with community groups.

The New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association has an online database of members who have the necessary qualifications.

Find a therapist — New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Associationexternal link

You can also search on Healthpoint.

Speech-language therapy services — Healthpointexternal link