Speech Therapy

At Hameed Latif Hospital, we recognize that the ability to communicate and swallow safely is fundamental to human dignity and independence. Whether it’s expressing thoughts, understanding others, or safely eating and drinking, communication and swallowing are essential parts of everyday life.

Our Department of Speech and Language Therapy provides expert evaluation and evidence-based treatment for individuals facing speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties due to a range of medical and developmental conditions. We serve both paediatric and adult populations, including those affected by stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other neurological or developmental disorders.

Speech and language therapy involves the assessment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of speech, language, communication, voice, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. Our goal is to enhance quality of life, independence and participation in daily life.

Specialised Areas of Therapy:

• Aphasia therapy– helping stroke or brain injury patients recover language skills
• Dysarthria management– improving clarity and strength of speech
• Dysphagia therapy– addressing swallowing safety and rehabilitation
• Voice therapy– treating hoarseness, vocal strain, or loss of voice
• Fluency therapy– supporting individuals who stammer
• Language intervention– enhancing comprehension and expression
• Cognitive-communication therapy– for memory, attention, and problem-solving difficulties after TBI or in dementia

Speech and language therapy involves the assessment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of speech, language, communication, voice, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. Our goal is to enhance quality of life, independence and participation in daily life.

Our Multidisciplinary Team Includes:

• Certified Speech-Language Pathologists
• Clinical Psychologists for emotional and behavioral support
• ENT Specialists, Neurologists and Rehabilitation Physicians for comprehensive management

Speech-Language Pathologists (also known as speech therapists or speech pathologists) are qualified healthcare professionals who specialize in:

• Assessment and therapy for communication and swallowing issues
• Designing personalized rehabilitation plans
• Educating families and caregivers for continued support

Treatment Programs Offered:

• Post-stroke language and communication rehabilitation
• Swallowing retraining programs, including *FEES-based* or modified diet guidance
• Fluency shaping for stuttering
• Pediatric therapy for speech and developmental delays
• Extensive therapy plans given for clients with mental health issues related and how it effects communication

Evidence-Based Programs

You or your loved one should consider speech therapy if:

• There is sudden or gradual loss of speech after a stroke or injury
• Swallowing becomes painful, difficult, or unsafe
• Communication is effortful or unclear
• A child is not speaking or understanding language age-appropriately
• Social interaction and communication seem limited
• There are voice changes affecting daily communication

At Hameed Latif Hospital, we take pride in offering access to some of the most experienced speech-language therapists in Lahore. Our clinicians are certified by relevant national and international bodies and trained in both traditional and innovative therapy approaches. We create individualized treatment plans based on the latest clinical evidence and patient goals.

1- Is there a difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist?

No. Both terms are used interchangeably. “Speech-language pathologist” is the formal, technical designation.

2- At what age should speech therapy begin?

Speech therapy can begin as early as *18 months* for developmental concerns. For adults, *therapy should begin as soon as possible* after an event such as a stroke.

3- Can adults benefit from speech therapy?

Absolutely. Adults recovering from stroke, brain injury or dealing with progressive conditions like Parkinson’s or dementia can make meaningful gains with the right therapy.

4- What is dysphagia, and why is it serious?

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. It can lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition and decreased quality of life. A speech-language pathologist is trained to manage and rehabilitate swallowing safely.

5- What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by brain damage, typically after a stroke. It affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write, but not their intelligence. Therapy helps regain communication function over time.