The success of the treatment depends largely on the cooperation of these people. Most children develop speech habits until about the age of 8. Thus, when working with a young patient, the therapist uses methods that help stimulate the development of good speech habits. With older patients, the therapist must use corrective measures. First, the patients must be helped to identify their speech problems and to tell the difference between their speech and normal speech.
Many therapists use audio and video recording machines.
The therapist pronounces the sound correctly, and the patient hears and sees the difference. During the second stage of treatment, the therapist teaches the patient new speech skills. Tongue exercises and speech drills may be used. After the patients have improved their speech, they learn to use their skills in everyday situations. Speech therapy may be given individually or in groups.