Speech Therapy Isn’t Just for Kids (Surprise!)

When most people hear “speech therapy,” they picture a sweet little kid working on their “R” sounds. And yes—helping kids communicate is a huge and beautiful part of what we do. But here’s the secret that doesn’t get talked about enough: speech therapy is for everyone. From toddlers to grandparents, SLPs (that’s “speech-language pathologists”) support people across the entire lifespan.

And honestly? The name “speech therapist” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

So, What Do SLPs Actually Do?

Short answer: a lot.

Longer answer: we support communication, swallowing, cognition, and all the messy in-between that makes life… life.

Think of us as the Swiss Army knife of the therapy world. Sure, we help kids with language, literacy, and articulation. But we also:

• Support adults recovering from stroke or brain injury

• Help individuals with dementia maintain communication and cognitive skills

• Treat swallowing disorders (yep, that’s us too—fancy name: dysphagia)

• Work with people using AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)

• Support voice changes, from gender-affirming voice therapy to vocal strain

If it has to do with how you talk, think, swallow, or connect with others… we’re in it.

Why Rooted in Connection Serves All Ages

At Rooted in Connection Therapy, we don’t just stop at pediatrics. We know communication doesn’t stop mattering when you turn 18 (if anything, life gets more complicated). Our clinicians bring experience across the lifespan, and that makes a difference.

For example, I (Kayla 👋) have spent years working with adults navigating dementia, dysphagia, and post-stroke rehab. But beyond professional experience, I’ve also sat in the therapy chair myself—as a client—after my own TBI and history of stroke.

That perspective changed everything for me. It gave me a passion for adult rehab that goes beyond textbooks and case studies. I know how exhausting, frustrating, and vulnerable recovery can be—and I also know how powerful the right therapy support is when someone finally “gets it.”

Why This Matters

So yes, we love our littles (you’ll still catch us singing “Wheels on the Bus” without shame). But adults deserve the same high-quality, compassionate, neuroaffirming therapy too. Because communication, swallowing, and cognitive skills? They’re not “childhood milestones.” They’re human essentials—no matter your age.

And around here, we believe therapy should meet you where you’re at. Whether that’s your toddler’s first words, your teen’s social skills, your parent’s stroke recovery, or your own voice journey—we’re here for all of it.

The Takeaway

“Speech therapy” is kind of a misnomer. We’re not just about speech, and we’re not just about kids. We’re about helping people—of every age—connect, communicate, and live with dignity.

Because at the end of the day, therapy isn’t about checking a box. It’s about being seen, heard, and supported. And that? That matters across the lifespan.

💛With you in every season of life,

Kayla

SLP, Mom, Nature-Lover, Adult Rehab Advocate, Professional Wearer of Many Hats

P.S. Whether you’re raising littles, supporting aging parents, or navigating your own recovery—don’t count yourself out of speech therapy. It might just be the missing piece of support you’ve been looking for.