Speech Therapy Myths Debunked: What You Didn’t Know About Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is often misunderstood. Whether it’s about who needs it, what it helps with, or how it works, outdated myths can prevent people from getting the support they deserve.

At Marigold Speech, we’re passionate about clearing up these misconceptions so individuals of all ages can access care that truly makes a difference. 🌼

In this blog, we’re breaking down 7 common myths about speech therapy—and sharing the truths that every family, caregiver, and adult communicator should know. 💬

❌ Myth #1: Speech Therapy Is Only for Children

✅ Truth: Speech therapy supports people across the lifespan.

Many associate speech therapy with toddlers learning their first words—but adults benefit just as much! Whether recovering from a stroke or brain injury, managing progressive conditions like Parkinson’s or ALS, or building confidence in the workplace, therapy can be life-changing.

🧠 Research shows that speech therapy improves quality of life for adults with aphasia, cognitive-communication deficits, and motor speech disorders (ASHA, 2023).

👉 Communication isn’t just for kids—it’s for life.

❌ Myth #2: Speech Therapy Is Only for Severe Speech Disorders

✅ Truth: Mild doesn’t mean unimportant.

You don’t need a “severe” diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Subtle challenges like:

• Slight articulation errors

• Trouble finding words

• Social communication differences

• Mild voice strain

…can impact relationships, academics, work, and self-confidence.

✨ Early, gentle intervention helps prevent future difficulties—and supports growth, not perfection.

❌ Myth #3: Speech Therapy Is Just About Talking

✅ Truth: It’s about so much more.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) treat a wide variety of skills, including:

🗣 Voice and resonance

🥣 Swallowing and feeding (dysphagia)

🧠 Memory, attention, and cognition

📖 Language processing and comprehension

🔤 AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)

🧩 Social communication and executive functioning

SLPs take a whole-person approach—supporting communication across the physical, emotional, and cognitive spectrum.

📚 Source: ASHA, 2022 – Scope of Practice

❌ Myth #4: “Let’s Wait and See” If They Catch Up

✅ Truth: Waiting can delay progress.

“Wait and see” might feel safe, but early intervention leads to stronger long-term outcomes—especially for children with developmental delays.

📈 Children who receive therapy early are more likely to:

• Close developmental gaps sooner

• Build emotional resilience

• Develop stronger literacy and academic skills

👉 Be proactive—early support = empowered growth.

📚 Romski & Sevcik, 2005

❌ Myth #5: Gimmicks or “Miracle” Products Will Fix Speech

✅ Truth: Evidence-based therapy is key.

Apps, gadgets, and supplements that promise instant results can be tempting—but they’re rarely effective.

🔍 Effective therapy is:

• Personalized 🧑‍⚕️

• Research-based 📚

• Delivered by trained professionals 👩‍⚕️

💡 There’s no shortcut to real progress—but there is a path, and it starts with your SLP.

❌ Myth #6: Speech Therapy Is Only for People with Stutters or Accents

✅ Truth: Therapy supports all types of communication needs.

Fluency and accent support are important—but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. SLPs also help with:

🧠 Brain injury or post-concussion support

🔈 Voice therapy

🧩 Autism-related communication

🍽 Swallowing and feeding

🗨 Apraxia, language delays, executive function, and more

Whether it’s speaking, thinking, remembering, eating, or socializing—SLPs help people connect.

❌ Myth #7: AAC Will Prevent Speech Development

✅ Truth: AAC enhances communication—it doesn’t hinder it.

One of the most common (and harmful) misconceptions is that using AAC will stop someone from speaking.

But the truth? AAC supports language growth. 💬✨

✅ AAC use has been shown to:

• Increase verbal speech

• Reduce frustration

• Foster independence

Research confirms that early AAC use in toddlers actually boosts spoken vocabulary—not the other way around (Walters et al., 2021).

🔓 AAC is a tool that opens doors, not closes them.

🌼 Don’t Let Myths Hold You Back

Whether you’re exploring therapy for a child, navigating your own communication journey, or learning about AAC, remember:

🧡 You don’t have to have it all figured out.

You just need a team that listens, understands, and supports your goals.

📞 Call us at 608-728-7774 or visit www.marigoldspeech.com to schedule your consultation today.

🔖 References

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2022). Scope of practice in speech-language pathology. https://www.asha.org/policy/SP2022-00347/

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Developmental monitoring and screening for health professionals. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening-hcp.html

• Davidoff, B. (2023). AAC with energy—Earlier. The ASHA Leader, 28(2), 48–49. https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.FTR2.22012017.48

• Romski, M., & Sevcik, R. A. (2005). Augmentative communication and early intervention: Myths and realities. Infants & Young Children, 18(3), 174–185. https://doi.org/10.1097/00001163-200507000-00005

• Walters, C., Sevcik, R. A., & Romski, M. (2021). Spoken vocabulary outcomes of toddlers with developmental delay after parent-implemented augmented language intervention. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(3), 1023–1037. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33789437