Aphasia is an acquired language disorder most caused by brain injury (such as stroke), affecting speech production, comprehension, reading and writing to varying degrees. Symptoms can vary widely and may include word-finding difficulties, impaired sentence construction, reduced speech comprehension, as well as difficulties with reading and writing. Communication often becomes hesitant and fragmented, and in more severe cases, everyday language use may be significantly limited. The goal of therapy is to improve communication abilities, activate preserved language functions, and support as much independence in daily communication as possible.

Articulation disorders occur when speech sounds are produced incorrectly, or certain sounds are distorted, substituted or omitted. Common symptoms include lisping and incorrect production of sounds (e.g. “r”, “s”, “sh”), sound omissions or substitutions, and reduced speech intelligibility. While this can be a natural part of early speech development, persistent issues require professional intervention. The aim of therapy is to establish correct sound production, correct articulation errors, and automate clear, intelligible speech.

Dysphagia refers to difficulties in the swallowing process, affecting the safe intake of solid and liquid foods. Symptoms may include coughing or choking when eating or drinking, frequent aspiration, uncertainty during swallowing, and prolonged mealtimes. In more severe cases, impaired swallowing safety increases the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway). Dysphagia is often associated with neurological conditions, surgeries or other medical issues. The aim of examination is to thoroughly evaluate swallowing function, while therapy focuses on restoring safe swallowing and improving eating ability.

Dysphonia refers to disorders of voice production caused by changes affecting the vocal cords or the voice production process itself. These may be congenital or acquired. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the underlying cause. The most common complaints include hoarse, breathy or strained voice quality, reduced maximum phonation time, limited vocal range and volume, and decreased vocal endurance. Changes in pitch, disrupted speech flow, frequent throat clearing, a lump sensation in the throat, improper breathing technique and excessive neck muscle tension may also occur. The goal of therapy is to establish and reinforce proper voice techniques and improve articulation.

Dysarthria is a disorder of speech execution caused by damage to the nervous system, leading to impaired coordination of the muscles involved in speech. Symptoms include slurred, difficult-to-understand speech, slow or irregular speech rate, weak or monotonous voice, and disrupted coordination of breathing, phonation and articulation. Speech may become fatigued and difficult to control, resulting in reduced intelligibility. The goal of therapy is to improve speech clarity, enhance motor control, and increase communication effectiveness.

In cases of delayed speech development, a child’s speech and language skills are significantly below age expectations, despite intact speech organs and cognitive abilities. Symptoms may also appear in motor development, affecting both gross and fine motor skills. Additionally, a child who does not have a vocabulary of at least 50–70 words or does not use two-word combinations by the age of 2–2.5 years may require therapy. Earlier warning signs include absence or very limited babbling. Therapy is play-based and tailored to the child’s age and individual needs.

This is a swallowing pattern in which the tongue moves forward against or between the teeth instead of resting against the palate. It is often accompanied by strong lip and chin muscle contraction, improper dental closure, and visible muscular effort when swallowing. Consequences may include mouth breathing, dental issues and speech sound disorders – especially affecting sounds such as “s”, “z”, “ts”, “sh”, “ch”, “t” and “d”. The goal of therapy is to establish and reinforce a correct swallowing pattern.