Speech-Language Pathologists’ Work Goes Beyond Articulation, Empowering Quality of Life
“In Thailand, around 15 students graduate annually in communication disorders, with equal distribution between audiologists and speech-language pathologists. In my own class, only nine students completed the program.”
Speech-language pathology—also known as speech therapy, speech-language rehabilitation, or communication sciences and disorders—is a specialized profession focused on the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of individuals with communication impairments. While many people assume that speech-language pathologists primarily work with children, communication disorders can, in fact, affect adolescents, adults, and seniors alike.
Today, speech-language pathology remains a critically undersupplied profession in Thailand. We have the opportunity to speak with Ms. Tanyasiri Prasertsrisak, also known as Errn, a practicing speech-language pathologist.
“In fact, the number of adults with communication disorders is roughly on par with that of children. Among pediatric patients, we often see delayed language and speech development due to underlying conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, cleft lip, cleft palate, and others. These children may experience slurred speech, stuttering, and social communication disorders because their speech is hard to understand. Children with cochlear implants also belong to this group. Adult patients, on the other hand, typically have communication difficulties from neurological conditions, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury, leading to aphasia. They may exhibit dysarthria due to muscle weakness, impaired speech planning, or difficulty articulating. Other adult patients include those with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or vocalization disorders such as hoarseness, vocal nodules, vocal paralysis, or incorrect voice use. Additionally, some transgender patients seek therapy to modify their voice. In summary, anyone experiencing difficulties with language or speech can benefit from consulting a speech-language pathologist.”
The Inaugural Class of Speech-Language Pathology Students Trained to Treat Both Children and Adults
“In the undergraduate program I attended, our class was the first to include adult speech therapy training in the curriculum. Previously, the program focused solely on pediatric patients. It was a game-changing development, as it allowed us to gain experience treating both children and adults while still at the university.”
Due to the diversity of patients, training to become a speech-language pathologist involves a highly detailed and comprehensive curriculum, designed to enable students to assess and plan therapy in a connected and effective manner. The program begins with courses in anatomy and physiology of the brain and nervous system, speech and hearing physiology, phonetics, disorders that affect communication, and child development in both language and emotional domains. Additionally, students must complete clinical training hours in various settings to enhance their skills and gain hands-on experience with real-world cases, such as providing speech therapy to children in orphanages or hospitalized patients.
“What made me realize my passion for this profession was participating in a volunteer camp organized by the faculty. We visited communities of people with disabilities, which allowed me to see firsthand how, after graduation, I could help these individuals. It was this experience that inspired me to become a speech-language pathologist—to help people communicate to the fullest extent of their potential.”
Speech Therapy: A Bespoke Approach for Each Patient
“There is no one task that is inherently more difficult than the other, but each presents its own unique challenges. With pediatric patients, the challenge lies in the fact that they have not yet fully developed their language skills. Our therapy requires close assessment to determine what the child understands and what factors may be affecting their language and speech development. For adults, on the other hand, they already possess language skills, but their condition has caused a loss of the language abilities they once had. We must evaluate each case individually to determine which aspects of their language and speech have been affected by disorders.”
Speech therapy or speech-language pathology may follow established curricula and learning methods, but these frameworks are never entirely set in stone. Each individual has unique characteristics and additional factors that require consideration to tailor therapy to meet the specific needs of each person. For example, when assessing pediatric patients, it is essential to consider their unique temperaments and upbringing.
“Providing speech therapy for each patient is like creating a custom-made suit. No two therapy plans are identical. Each case requires a careful and individualized assessment and planning. Even when patients present with the same symptoms or underlying causes, the methods used might differ. Therapy combines science and art, as therapists integrate clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients, families, and caregivers. These ensure understanding, allowing tailored therapy, and facilitating consistent practice.”
Aphasia Is Not Due to a Stiff Tongue, But a Treatable Brain Disorder
“Aphasia is a communication disorder that arises from damage to the areas of the brain responsible for speech expression and language comprehension. This damage may result from a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Patients with aphasia often have difficulty comprehending spoken language, speaking, or finding the right words, which makes communicating with others challenging.”
Many people mistakenly believe that aphasia is the same as what is commonly referred to as a stiff tongue, making it impossible to utter sounds or form words. However, aphasia is a neurological disorder that affects the brain, disabling patients from articulating their thoughts or understanding what others are saying.
“This disorder can take several forms, so a thorough assessment is essential to determine what aspects of language skills are impaired—whether it is word retrieval, listening comprehension, or speech fluency. Only after this evaluation can we develop an appropriate treatment plan. The expected outcomes depend on the severity of the condition, the patient’s physical readiness, and the duration of the disability.
If a speech-language pathologist correctly assesses and formulates a tailored therapy to address the patient’s specific difficulties, restoration of language and speech abilities is possible, so they can fully participate in daily life.”
Understanding, Patience, and Encouragement: A Speech-Language Pathologist’s Secret Sauce to Caring for Patients
“I once worked with a child who initially could not speak a single word. After therapy, he was able to attend school and chat with his friends, which he specifically came back to thank me. It was an incredibly satisfying experience. Assisting a child in finding their voice not only benefits the child but also has a positive impact on those around them. It reassures the family that the child will be able to communicate and participate fully in daily life growing up.”
Reflecting on her nine years of professional experience, Ms. Errn emphasizes that beyond speech training, caring for patients comes with its own set of challenges. The key lies in allowing the process to take its course, genuinely understanding the patient, and offering encouragement on days when the patient feels ready to give up. As a speech-language pathologist, having faith that consistent practice will lead to results helps transform seemingly impossible tasks into achievable progress. Equally important is the collaboration and support from families or caregivers.
“I once worked with a patient who refused to participate in any therapy. He had lost his will to live and tried to relate that he no longer wanted to be alive because he couldn’t speak intelligibly. By carefully identifying ways to motivate him and creating enjoyable and stimulating activities, he was eventually able to speak in full sentences again. He later told me, ‘Thank you for not giving up on me.’ Although it took a year of dedicated therapy, he is now able to return to a normal life with his family.”
Voice Therapy for LGBTQ+ Communities and Aging Societies: The Emerging Role of Speech-Language Pathologists
“Voice disorders are more common than many realize, yet people are in a quandary about whom to consult or how to seek treatment. Such conditions may present as persistent hoarseness, breathiness, vocal fatigue after extended speaking, a raspy or weak voice, or even voices that do not align with one’s gender identity, including adolescent males with a high-pitched voice or members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking gender-affirming voice modification.
Today and in the near future, speech-language pathologists will assume an increasingly pivotal role in two key areas. The first is voice training. The human voice is one of our most essential communication instruments; it enables us to speak and to connect with those we love, accompanying us from the first day of life to the last. Yet without awareness and proper care, many people develop unhealthy vocal habits that lead to disorders, significantly impairing quality of life. The second area addresses the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals as social recognition of gender diversity continues to expand. Beyond gender-affirming surgery, voice training to align with one’s gender identity can profoundly enhance confidence and self-expression. In both contexts, speech-language pathologists play a pivotal role in guiding patients to enunciate their voices with clarity, safety, and authenticity, tailored to their personal needs.
Thailand’s transition into an aging society presents another critical concern. As the elderly population increases, so too does the number of individuals with neurological conditions that affect language and speech, such as aphasia, dysarthria, or dementia.
“As people age, physical decline and various illnesses inevitably follow. When these changes affect speech and communication, older adults may struggle to converse with their children or grandchildren, unable to express their thoughts clearly, or may speak with diminished clarity and confidence. Yet in reality, these challenges are treatable. With accurate assessment and therapy tailored to the specific nature of the speech disorder, there is a real possibility for patients to regain their communicative abilities and live their daily lives to their fullest potential.”
MedPark Hospital Offers Comprehensive Speech Therapy for Adults
“Our team of doctors provides accurate diagnoses and referrals to speech-language pathologists who are skilled in working with both pediatric and adult patients.”, says Ms. Errn with a warm smile.
These reflect the readiness of MedPark’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Center to deliver comprehensive care, particularly for patients with communication disorders. Access to targeted speech and language rehabilitation, combined with comprehensive developmental stimulation, is crucial in giving patients the best chance for an effective functional result.
Outside of work, Ms. Errn devotes considerable time to personal development and continuous learning. She believes that by understanding herself more deeply, she can better relate to others and appreciate their perspectives. This self-awareness would prove invaluable not only in her work with patients but also in many other aspects of life.