What You Might Not Know About Speech Therapy
Raising Awareness During National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
5/27/2026
Cheryl Mansell, Aspirus Speech-Language Pathologist
“The top misconception that people have about speech therapy is that we just help people talk,” shared Cheryl Mansell, a speech-language pathologist with Aspirus Health. In reality, that aspect of speech therapy only scratches the surface.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders, an estimated 17.9 million U.S. adults ages 18 and older reported having a problem with their voice in the past 12 months, highlighting just one of the many areas where speech-language pathologists provide care.
The terms speech-language pathologist and speech therapist mean the same thing and are often used interchangeably. A clinician may choose one title over the other based on personal preference or how they view their role and the care they provide.
While communication is a major focus, speech therapy also plays an important role in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders. These disorders can make it difficult to safely and efficiently eat or drink, affecting nutrition, comfort and overall health. Speech-language pathologists like Cheryl assess and treat these challenges to help patients regain safe and enjoyable eating and drinking experiences.
Speech therapists work with patients at every stage of life, tailoring care to each person’s needs and goals. Whether someone is building skills for the first time or working to regain them, speech therapy can restore independence and improve quality of life.
One of the most meaningful changes Cheryl sees in her patients is increased confidence. For patients experiencing swallowing issues, therapy can restore everyday moments that are often taken for granted. Simple routines like eating a meal or sipping a cup of coffee without coughing become enjoyable again. These improvements not only support physical health but also restore enjoyment and quality of life.
Speech therapy also plays a powerful role in helping people reconnect. “When they’re able to tell their loved one, ‘I love you’ for the first time in a long time, it’s a really powerful moment,” Cheryl said. Beyond speech itself, therapy helps patients regain the ability to express thoughts and emotions and build the relationships that matter most to them.
As Speech-Language-Hearing Month is recognized each May, Cheryl hopes more people understand the full scope of what speech therapists do. Far from being limited to speech alone, they are essential members of the health care team who help patients across all ages regain critical life skills. “The most important message I would like people to take away,” she said, “is that speech therapists are a vital part of the team that habilitate and rehabilitate patients.”
Many people may not realize when it’s time to see a speech therapist. Signs can vary depending on age and condition, but they often include:
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Trouble understanding
- Forming language
- Changes in voice
- Challenges with swallowing food or liquids
For children, concerns might show up as delayed speech or difficulty being understood. For adults, it may follow a stroke, injury, or illness that affects speech or memory. Working with a speech-language pathologist can help identify what’s going on and create a plan to improve communication, safety, and quality of life.
To learn more about speech therapy, talk to your primary care provider. To find a compassionate, expert Aspirus provider near you, visit aspirus.org to use the Find a Doctor tool.
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