Logopaedics is the field of study concerned with the treatment of speech disorders and irregularities in the functioning of the articulation organs. It also includes the development of speech and speech restoration.

Therapy sessions with a speech therapist not only aim to correct defective speech sounds but also to reduce abnormal swallowing, clamping of the teeth and to remove the habit of keeping the mouth open. Therapy involves a series of tasks to improve the workings of the lips, tongue, jaw and soft palate. We can correct abnormalities through systematically repeated massages and exercises. It is important that the exercises are continued at home as it increases the chances of earlier improvement and instils the techniques that the speech therapist worked on. The earlier the therapy starts the better. It is much more difficult to correct pre-existing habits and so therapy will last that much longer. Speech problems do not disappear by themselves therefore it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible. The amount of therapy required is individually assessed for each patient. It will depend on the type and strength of the problem as well as the individual capabilities of each patient for instance: their disciplined approach, ability to concentrate and their pace.

Speech therapy treatment begins with a comprehensive interview and diagnosis. By having an individual approach to each patient, an appropriate therapy plan can be prepared based on the patient’s age and disorder. At each session the patient will receive recommendations and exercises to perform at home. Any doubts or difficulties that arise that may stand in the way of correcting the speech are examined with the assistance of other specialists such as: orthodontists, psychologists and laryngologists. By consulting the aim is to widen the spectrum of activities available, and aid the selection of an appropriate therapy method.

Preventative speech therapy is essential for the correct development of speech, as it aims to instill good habits. The correct consumption of food is also important (small pieces, thoroughly chewed and swallowed). The patient’s diet should consist mainly of hard fruit and vegetables as well as bread crust. Such foods help to exercise the articulation organs. It is also important to regularly exercise the articulation organs using all available measures. For children, effort should be made to engage them in conversation, along with encouraging them to name items in their surroundings and describe what they have seen and heard. This greatly enriches the child's vocabulary.

The treatment of adults, teenagers and children largely focuses on the patient undergoing orthodontic work. In such cases it is necessary to restore regular functioning of the lips, tongue and jaws as well as correct defective speech sounds. Incorrect use of the tongue can have a negative effect on an existing occlusion defect, significantly worsening it. The outcome of the treatment should produce perfect speech.

When working with children it is important to incorporate fun in to the therapy, be patient and understanding. We use props such as Nutella, honey, Tic-Tacs, sultanas, cotton pads, paper balls etc to make exercises more attractive to the child. The child will enjoy playing with them and at the same time will be encouraged to continue with further exercises. Tasks during therapy are not only geared towards the development of speech, but also to stimulate attention, concentration, thinking, and hand-eye coordination. During child and teenage therapy sessions we make use of specialist logopaedic equipment which has a significant positive affect on their speech.