Don't suffer in silence
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IN MORAY there are 1,000 people currently benefitting from the work of the speech and language therapy team.
However, there are many more, perhaps suffering in silence, who could potentially have their lives transformed with a little support.
Problems with speech and language, whatever age they strike, can ‘imprison’ an individual and severely limit their participation in family life, education, work and wider community.
‘Giving Voice’ is a national campaign, run by theRoyal College of Speech and Language Therapists, to raise awareness of the work being done by the service across the country.
In Moray there is a dedicated team of 27 people – therapists, assistants and clerical staff – based at the new Linkwood Medical Centre in Elgin and working in adult and paediatric (0-18 years) teams. There is also an adult learning disability team based at Highfield House.
Recent publicity surrounding the smash hit film ‘The King’s Speech’, which saw leading actor Colin Firth win an Oscar for his portrayal of King George VI and his battle to overcome a speech impediment, has helped raise awareness of the service generally.
However, more still needs to be done to make more people aware that help is at hand. And efforts by staff locally to do just that are meeting with some success.
Jane Fox, speech and language manager for Moray, said: "This time last year we were getting 27 referrals a month but now we are getting about 50 a month. That shows there are lots of people out there who could do with a bit of help."
Over 20% of people will suffer from communication difficulties at some point in their lives.
And with 10% of children experiencing a speech, language or communication difficulty, that equates to two children in every class.
While speech problems, such as a stammer, may be easier for the general public to grasp, it is often the way children or adults use language to interact with classmates, work colleagues or friends and family, which is the real issue.
Body language is often a sign of a communication issue and people can often be too far removed or too much in the face of people they are speaking to.
Senior therapist Margaret Macdonald said people with a speech and language problem, can become introverted and isolated. "It can prevent them from being what they want to be," she said.
"One of the biggest aspects we face is the perception that people who can’t speak or communicate are not bright," she added, "but in truth we are dealing with a lot of very bright children."
Kathryn Mitchell, speech and language therapist, said the aim is not to change the person with the speech or language difficulty, but change the environment around them.
Behavioural problems can develop in children with a speech or language problem because they become frustrated at being unable to communicate effectively.
Kathryn said the team does a lot of work with schools and teachers to make it easier for them to interact with youngsters with speech problems and ensure the environment is conducive to this.
Teachers themselves can experience speech problems, with one in five having to take time off work because of a problem, such as hoarseness. Therapists have worked with teachers to show them techniques which can help alleviate any problems and try to prevent voice issues arising.
THERE are a number of signs to look out for in children and adults which would indicate a speech, language or communication difficulty.
In children the signs can be:
•Difficulty in saying what they want.
•Not talking as much as other children.
•Getting stuck on words.
•People find it difficult to understand what they are saying.
•Getting teased about the way they talk.
•Find it difficult to talk to other children and make friends.
•Their voice sounds strange.
For adults the signs can be different and may follow a stroke or other serious illness.
•Conversations can be difficult.
•Speech is muddled.
•Swallowing is difficult.
•Losing your voice.
•People with a learning disability need help to communicate.
•Stammering and stumbling over words.
The speech and language therapy team in Moray operates an open referral system which means any can be referred or self-refer, not just healthcare or education professionals.
If you have a friend or family member who you think would benefit from extra support, contact the team on 01343 553 100.
