Eastside’s speech pathologists provide a wide range of services and support for patients, families and the community. Speech services begin with an initial screening for communication and swallowing disorders and continue with assessment and diagnosis.

• Cognitive aspects of communication (e.g., attention, memory, problem solving, executive functions)


• Speech (i.e., phonation, articulation, fluency, resonance, and voice including aeromechanical components of respiration)


• Language-including comprehension and expression in oral, written, graphic, and manual modalities; language processing; preliteracy and language-based literacy skills, phonological awareness.


• Swallowing or other upper aerodigestive functions such as feeding and aeromechanical events (evaluation of esophageal function is for the purpose of referral to medical professionals)


• Sensory awareness related to communication, swallowing or other upper aerodigestive functions.

You could benefit from Speech Language Pathology Services if you have any of the following:

• Stroke


• Brain tumor


• Difficulty swallowing


• Head injury


• Vocal difficulty (problems with voice)


• Change in your ability to communicate

A diagnosis begins with a visit to your primary care doctor or other specialist. A referral is made to the speech-language pathologist when a patient’s ability to communicate or swallow has changed. During your first visit, the speech-language pathologist will take a thorough history and conduct a battery of tests to establish a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan. To make your recovery as quick as possible, your progress and treatment plan will be continuously discussed with you, your referring physician and /or your loved one.

For more information on our speech therapy services or to make an appointment, contact the Outpatient Rehab Center at 770-736-2280. We encourage you to visit the ASHA and GSHA websites for additional information about communication issues.