Adult Services
Adult Services (18 years old +) Language - Aphasia
Aphasia assessment, provided by an SLP, plays a crucial role in supporting adults affected by this language disorder often resulting from a stroke or brain injury. Assessment involves evaluating language skills, understanding the specific challenges a person faces in their daily lives, and determining the best course of therapeutic intervention.
Therapy, provided by an SLP or CDA, focuses on improving communication abilities, such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Techniques may include targeted exercises, communication strategies, and technology-assisted interventions. The importance of this therapy lies in its potential to significantly enhance an individual’s ability to communicate, thereby fostering independence and social participation.
Effective aphasia therapy can lead to notable improvements in language skills and overall quality of life for adults with aphasia. It not only addresses linguistic deficits but also helps individuals adapt
and find alternative means of expression.
Speech - Dysarthria/Apraxia
In the assessment phase, SLPs evaluate the nature and severity of the speech disorders, considering factors like muscle weakness (dysarthria) or motor planning difficulties (apraxia).
For dysarthria, treatment often includes exercises to strengthen oral muscles, improve breath support, and enhance coordination for clearer speech. SLPs and/or CDAs may employ techniques like respiratory exercises, articulation exercises, and prosody training to address specific aspects of dysarthric speech.
In apraxia treatment, provided by SLPs or CDAs, the focus is on retraining the motor planning and coordination of speech movements.
The effectiveness of treatment methods varies based on the individual’s specific condition and severity. Consistent, individualized therapy plans designed by SLPs are crucial for success. Intensive and repetitive practice, often incorporating technology and visual aids, contributes to improved speech intelligibility and communication for individuals recovering from dysarthria and apraxia post-stroke or brain injury. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan ensure ongoing progress.
Characteristics of Dysarthria in Adults
1. Articulation Difficulties:** Impaired coordination of muscles involved in speech results in unclear articulation.
2. Slurred Speech:** Pronunciation may sound slurred, making it challenging for others to understand.
3. Muscle Weakness or Paralysis:** Weakness in the muscles used for speech, including those controlling the lips, tongue, and vocal cords.
4. Variable Speech Quality:** Speech may fluctuate in clarity and strength depending on fatigue and other factors.
5. Slow or Rapid Speech:** Dysarthria can lead to speech that is either too slow or too fast.
6. Breathing Irregularities:** Difficulty controlling breath support for speech, impacting overall vocal quality.
7. Hypernasality or Hyponasality:** Altered nasal resonance, with speech sounding either too nasal or insufficiently nasal.
Characteristics of Apraxia in Adults:
1. Inconsistent Errors:** Difficulty with consistent sound errors, even on the same word in different attempts.
2. Groping Movements:** Individuals may exhibit groping or trial-and-error movements while attempting speech.
3. Difficulty Initiating Speech:** Struggles to initiate and sequence speech sounds, resulting in hesitations.
4. Articulatory Inaccuracy:** Inaccurate production of speech sounds, with errors in timing and placement.
5. Greater Difficulty with Longer Words or Phrases:** Challenges become more pronounced with longer and more complex utterances.
6. Automatic vs. Volitional Speech:** Individuals may have less difficulty with automatic, well-practiced phrases than with novel or volitional speech.
7. Awareness of Errors:** Some individuals with apraxia are aware of their speech errors, which can be frustrating for them.
Cognitive-Communication Disorders
Cognitive communication disorders resulting from brain injury or stroke can significantly impact various aspects of communication. These disorders may manifest as difficulties in attention, memory, problem-solving, social communication, and overall cognitive-linguistic function.
The speech-language pathologist (SLP) plays a pivotal role in assessing and treating cognitive communication disorders. In the assessment phase, the SLP evaluates the individual’s cognitive- inguistic abilities, identifying specific areas of impairment. In cases of right hemisphere stroke, unique challenges may include difficulties with social skills, understanding non-literal language, and interpreting social cues.
Treatment, provided by an SLP or CDA, involves individualized plans targeting cognitive-communication deficits. Interventions may include cognitive exercises, memory strategies, social communication training, and pragmatic language therapy. Technology and compensatory strategies are often incorporated to facilitate communication in real-life situations.
The effectiveness of treatment can be profound, enhancing an individual’s ability to communicate and participate in various life domains. Successful intervention can contribute to a smoother return to work, school, and community participation. Strategies learned in therapy empower individuals to navigate social interactions, manage daily tasks, and engage effectively in their personal and professional lives post-injury or stroke. Ongoing collaboration between the SLP, individual, and relevant support networks is essential for sustained progress and successful reintegration into daily life.
Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia - Dis-fay-ja)
Dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, can impact the oral, pharyngeal, and/or esophageal phases of swallowing. Oral dysphagia involves challenges in chewing and moving food in the mouth, pharyngeal ysphagia pertains to difficulties in the throat during swallowing, and esophageal dysphagia relates to issues in the passage of food through the esophagus.
The speech-language pathologist (SLP) plays a crucial role in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia. In assessment, the SLP evaluates the individual’s ability to swallow, identifying specific difficulties and risks. Treatment strategies vary based on the type and severity of dysphagia and may include exercises to improve muscle strength, swallowing techniques, and dietary modifications.
Collaboration with other professionals such as Registered Dietitians, gastroenterologists (GI) and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists is essential, particularly for complex cases. Instrumental assessments, like videofluoroscopic swallow studies or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations, may be conducted in collaboration with these specialists to provide a more detailed understanding of the swallowing process.
Ensuring safe swallowing is paramount for an individual’s quality of life. The ability to eat and drink safely not only maintains proper nutrition/hydration but also contributes to social engagement and overall well-being.
Voice
We offer comprehensive assessment and personalized therapy for adults experiencing voice changes or vocal strain. Your voice is an essential part of who you are — whether you use it professionally, socially, or simply to connect with others. When your voice doesn’t sound or feel right, we’re here to help.
When to Seek Voice Therapy:
You may benefit from voice assessment and treatment if you notice:
- Persistent hoarseness, breathiness, or a raspy voice
- Vocal fatigue or discomfort after speaking
- Voice that cuts out, becomes weak, or is effortful to produce
- Changes in pitch, loudness, or quality
- Difficulty being heard in noisy environments
- Loss of voice after illness, surgery, or overuse
- A diagnosis such as vocal nodules, polyps, muscle tension dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis, or Parkinson’s disease
Our Voice Services Include:
Comprehensive Voice Assessment
- Detailed case history and vocal demands interview
- Perceptual analysis of voice quality, pitch, volume, and effort
- Acoustic and aerodynamic measurements, when appropriate
- Assessment of breath support, posture, and vocal habits
- Collaboration with ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists for laryngeal examination when needed
- Identification of contributing factors such as tension, misuse, or medical conditions
Individualized Treatment
- Evidence-based voice therapy tailored to your diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle
- Vocal function exercises to strengthen and balance the vocal mechanism
- Techniques to reduce strain and tension, such as resonant voice and semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (e.g., straw phonation)
- Breath support training for sustained, powerful speech
- Vocal hygiene education to reduce irritation and improve long-term vocal health
- Therapy for specialized populations (e.g., teachers, performers, gender-affirming voice care)
Why Choose Us?
We recognize that voice is deeply personal and closely tied to identity, confidence, and participation in daily life. Our approach is compassionate, evidence-informed, and person-centered — whether you are recovering from voice loss, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to optimize your voice for professional use.
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to help you use it with ease, strength, and clarity.
Return to Work and School Rehab Services
At Mountain Speech Language Services, we offer personalized, evidence-based support for individuals returning to work, school, or academic programs following a stroke, brain injury, or concussion.
Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in cognitive-communication disorders—difficulties with thinking and communication skills that are essential for daily functioning and success in professional or academic environments.
What is a Cognitive-Communication Disorder?
This includes challenges with:
- Memory and attention
- Organization, planning, and time management
- Problem-solving and reasoning
- Reading, writing, and processing spoken or written information
- Social communication and self-advocacy
These difficulties can impact the ability to complete assignments, manage a school or work schedule, participate in group discussions, and interact effectively with peers, teachers, or colleagues.
Why SLPs Are Key to Recovery
Communication is fundamental to life—for learning, working, building relationships, and maintaining mental wellness. After brain injury, even subtle changes in communication or cognition can lead to frustration, reduced independence, and mental health challenges like anxiety, low confidence, or social withdrawal.
Our Collaborative Approach
We work closely with:
- Occupational therapists to support executive functioning and daily life skills
- Mental health professionals to address emotional adjustment and motivation
- Rehab teams, educators, and employers to support realistic, inclusive return plans
Our goal is to promote independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life through individualized therapy that prepares each client to meet their academic, professional, and personal goals with confidence.
Your voice. Your thinking. Your future. We’re here to help you return stronger.
Referrals to our Services
Refer to a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) When Your Client Presents With:
Cognitive-Communication Concerns Post-Injury or Illness
- Difficulty with attention, concentration, or memory
- Trouble with problem-solving, planning, or multitasking
- Word-finding issues or slowed verbal responses
- Difficulty following verbal or written instructions
- Struggles with organizing thoughts, emails, or written assignments
- Inconsistent or unclear communication in social or professional settings
Speech, Language & Voice Changes
- Slurred, slowed, or unclear speech (e.g., dysarthria)
- Changes in tone, pitch, or vocal strength
- Stuttering or fluency concerns affecting communication
- Difficulty understanding or expressing spoken or written language
Return-to-School Challenges
Student has returned (or is planning to return) to college/university post-stroke, TBI, or concussion and is struggling with:
- Note-taking, lectures, or reading comprehension
- Verbal presentations or group work
- Communicating with professors or advocating for accommodations
Return-to-Work Barriers
Individual is re-entering or preparing to re-enter the workforce and:
- Cannot manage workplace communication demands
- Has difficulty participating in meetings or interacting with coworkers
- Struggles with tasks requiring written reports, memory, or executive functioning
- Needs strategies or gradual accommodation planning for workplace success
We Collaborate Closely With:
- Occupational Therapists
- Mental Health Professionals
- Academic Accommodation Coordinators
- Case Managers (WSIB, ODSP, Disability Insurance)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists
- Physicians, ENTs, and Neurologists
Our Services Include:
- Cognitive-communication and speech-language assessments
- Individualized therapy plans for return-to-work or return-to-learn
- Functional communication training (written, verbal, social)
- Advocacy and self-monitoring strategies
- Collaboration with academic institutions or employers to support reintegration
How to Refer:
- Email or fax a referral including:
- Client name and DOB
- Relevant medical history (e.g., stroke, TBI, concussion)
- Reason for referral (e.g., return-to-work support, cognitive-communication therapy)
- Funding source (WSIB claim #, ODSP case worker, or private insurance)
- We will contact the client within 2 business days to schedule a consultation.