SALT (Speech and Language Therapy)

The role of a speech and language therapist (SALT) is to assess and treat speech, language, and communication problems in people of all ages to enable them to communicate to the best of their ability. They may also work with people who have eating and swallowing problems.

SALTs assist children and adults who have the following types of problems:

• Difficulty producing and using speech

• Difficulty understanding language

• Difficulty using language

• Difficulty with feeding, chewing or swallowing

• A stammer

• A voice problem

SALTs work in a variety of settings, these include: hospitals (both inpatients and outpatients); community health centres; mainstream and special schools; assessment units and day centres; clients’ homes.

Most speech and language therapists work for the NHS. If you think you or your child needs to see a speech and language therapist, ask your GP, district nurse, health visitor, or your child’s nursery staff or teacher for a referral. You can also refer yourself to your local speech and language therapy service. You do not have to wait for someone else to refer you.