When Adults May Need Speech Therapy

When Adults May Need Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy
October 09, 2025•1 min read

When Adults May Need Speech Therapy

Most people associate speech therapy with children learning their first words. But adults face their own communication challenges—often after medical events like strokes, brain injuries, or illnesses.

Signs an Adult Could Benefit from Therapy

  • Sudden changes in speech clarity: Slurred or unclear speech can impact safety, independence, and confidence.

  • Trouble with memory and conversation: Difficulty finding words, staying on topic, or following conversations are signs that cognitive support may be needed.

  • Difficulty swallowing: Challenges with food or liquids can be dangerous if untreated, but therapy helps strengthen swallowing muscles and strategies.

Why It Matters

For adults, communication is tied to independence. It affects work, relationships, and quality of life. Therapy provides tools to rebuild skills and strategies that support daily living.

A Path Back to Confidence

Adults in therapy often describe the joy of being able to call a loved one without frustration, order a meal confidently, or safely enjoy their favorite foods again. These small victories are life-changing.

👉 Learn more about how our therapy supports adults. [Visit our website].

I (Sheridan) used to be that visionary business owner with all the balls in the air. I had my master's degree in speech therapy and created a six-figure consulting business in that field. But I didn’t stop there. I created another six-figure business as a health coach, and then one as a business coach for good measure. But the whole time I was trading time for money. I worked a zillion hours a week. Don’t believe me? I have five kids, and in addition to the work stuff, I was an available and committed mother to my children – doing the laundry, ferrying them to activities, and on and on... By outward measures, I looked successful, but on the inside, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had hit a ceiling in my income and every incremental increase required more from me. I was in constant striving mode, trying to push myself to constantly do more. Until it all fell apart (even typing that makes me quake remembering). I had a major health crisis that caused me to pull the plug on 95% of my business. Almost everything came to a full stop. Which was the best gift I ever received. You see, working hard and learning more skills is not enough. Heart, vision and best intentions are not enough. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t know what I was doing even though it looked like I did.

Sheridan Cotrell

I (Sheridan) used to be that visionary business owner with all the balls in the air. I had my master's degree in speech therapy and created a six-figure consulting business in that field. But I didn’t stop there. I created another six-figure business as a health coach, and then one as a business coach for good measure. But the whole time I was trading time for money. I worked a zillion hours a week. Don’t believe me? I have five kids, and in addition to the work stuff, I was an available and committed mother to my children – doing the laundry, ferrying them to activities, and on and on... By outward measures, I looked successful, but on the inside, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had hit a ceiling in my income and every incremental increase required more from me. I was in constant striving mode, trying to push myself to constantly do more. Until it all fell apart (even typing that makes me quake remembering). I had a major health crisis that caused me to pull the plug on 95% of my business. Almost everything came to a full stop. Which was the best gift I ever received. You see, working hard and learning more skills is not enough. Heart, vision and best intentions are not enough. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t know what I was doing even though it looked like I did.

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