Speech therapy is a branch of medicine that deals with the study of human language and communication. The term 'speech therapy' derives from the Greek words 'logos' and 'paideia' which respectively mean "speech" and "education". which carries out its activity in developmental, adult and geriatric age.

The clinical conditions that present alterations in language skills , particularly in the developmental age, are manifold. Language can be altered in isolation from other neuropsychological components, as occurs for example in cases of Specific Disorders, or the disorder can be associated or secondary to other conditions in more complex clinical pictures, as occurs instead in cases of Communication Disorders. Autistic linguistics, in secondary disorders to neurological and / or cognitive deficits and in global developmental disorders in genetic syndromic pictures.

Depending on the area of intervention, the Speech therapist collaborates in a multidisciplinary team with other professional figures, in particular with the Child Neuropsychiatrist and the Psychologist.

Speech therapy in developmental age

Speech therapy takes place in different moments and is addressed not only to the child, but also to his entire family. Regardless of the type of language disorder, it is necessary to carry out an initial assessment of the child's communicative-linguistic skills that allows to identify the deficient areas and the strengths present. The different linguistic levels are analyzed both in comprehension and in production through clinical observation and the use of age-standardized tests. An accurate evaluation allows to plan a specific rehabilitation intervention based on the available scientific evidence, aimed at improving the deficient areas and satisfying the communicative needs of the child, promoting the best possible quality of life.

Often the speech therapist works directly with the child , through the proposal of playful-interactive activities, so that the child feels the active protagonist of the process and is motivated by the game. However, the role played by the family is also fundamental. In fact, it is important that the rehabilitation program is shared, that a therapeutic alliance relationship is established and that the family is guided in supporting learning and the consolidation of therapy objectives, also in collaboration with the school .