Glossary

Stuttering is a fluency disorder characterized by involuntary disruptions in the flow of speech, such as sound repetitions, prolongations, and blocks. These disruptions are often accompanied by physical tension, emotional distress, and avoidance behaviors, though language formulation and cognition remain intact.

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a disorder that disrupts the safe and efficient movement of food, liquids, or saliva through the oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal phases of swallowing. It can lead to risks such as aspiration, malnutrition, and dehydration and is commonly associated with neurological or structural impairments.

​​Syllable repetitions are disfluencies involving repeated syllables, such as "ba-ba-banana."

The rules governing sentence structure in language.

Breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps for instruction.

The delivery of speech therapy services via online platforms, allowing for remote assessments and interventions.

Understanding that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives different from one's own.

Modified drink consistency used in dysphagia management.

A condition caused by a short or tight lingual frenulum that can restrict tongue movement and impact speech or feeding.

A method that combines speech, sign language, and other communication modalities to support individuals with hearing or language challenges.

An approach to therapy that recognizes the impact of trauma on communication and behavior, emphasizing safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in therapeutic relationships.

Adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) is brain damage caused by external mechanical force, commonly from falls, motor vehicle accidents, or violence, resulting in cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.

Pediatric traumatic brain injury affects the developing brain and can result from falls, sports injuries, or abuse, with consequences that often unfold over months or years as cognitive demands increase.

An injury to the brain caused by external force, often resulting in communication, cognitive, or swallowing impairments.

Communication methods that rely solely on the individual's body, such as gestures, facial expressions, or sign language, without external tools.

Hearing impairment in one ear, which can affect language development, auditory processing, and sound localization.

The degree to which speech cannot be understood by listeners.

Anatomical regions including the nose, throat, and upper esophagus involved in breathing, speaking, and swallowing.

Muscle at the entrance to the esophagus, important in swallowing function.

A complete unit of speech, bounded by silence or speaker change, used in language analysis.

The number of words or morphemes in a spoken phrase, often measured as MLU (Mean Length of Utterance).

A condition where the soft palate does not close properly, leading to hypernasality and speech difficulties.

The sensory system in the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation, which can affect motor skills and communication.

Videofluoroscopy is a dynamic X-ray procedure used to assess the swallowing process in real time.

Use of visual signals to support correct speech production.

Behaviors that can damage the vocal folds, such as excessive shouting or throat clearing.

Benign growths on the vocal cords caused by strain or overuse, often leading to hoarseness.

Practices that maintain vocal health and prevent voice disorders.

The characteristic sound of an individual's voice, including features like roughness, breathiness, or strain.

Prescribed period of reduced or eliminated voice use to promote vocal fold healing.

The air passages above the vocal folds used in speech production.

Recording one's voice for potential future use with speech-generating devices.

Voice disorders affect the ability to produce clear and functional vocal output, often due to structural, neurological, or behavioral factors. SLPs help individuals restore healthy voice function using evidence-based therapeutic strategies.

Treatment approaches for improving vocal function and health.

Structured program for safe liquid consumption in patients with dysphagia.

Wernicke’s aphasia is a fluent aphasia characterized by nonsensical, often “word salad” speech and severely impaired language comprehension.

The process of accessing and producing a specific word from memory, commonly targeted in therapy for individuals with aphasia or cognitive-linguistic challenges.

The cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and processing information, critical for language comprehension and production.

Difficulties with reading, writing, or spelling due to underlying language impairments.

Dry mouth - often due to aging, side effects of certain medicines, or radiation therapy for cancer.

A standardized screening tool for assessing swallowing function and determining aspiration risk.

A fluency-shaping technique used in stuttering therapy where tension is gradually released.

The difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can do with guidance.