Speech pathology and trauma
Trauma can be described as the emotional or psychological harm that can occur following very distressing or frightening events.
Trauma can affect a person’s thinking, emotions, ability to connect with others, and the way their body works. Trauma can make it hard for someone to cope.
Many people with communication and swallowing needs experience events and social interactions as traumatic because of the way other people treat them or barriers in the environment that make communication and swallowing challenging.
If a child experiences maltreatment (such as abuse or neglect), it is called developmental or complex trauma.
This type of trauma can impact the way children’s brains grow and develop as well as how they approach relationships. It can affect different areas of children's development including their communication skills. Research has shown that most children who have experienced maltreatment have more difficulties with their communication skills than other children the same age.
For more information on developmental and complex trauma, please see more here.
Trauma can also be experienced by people with neurodivergent conditions (including communication disorders), disabilities, mental health needs, and swallowing difficulties.
This trauma is often caused by the overwhelming stress people experience from living in a world that struggles to meet their needs.
War veterans, refugees, those exposed to natural disasters, and others who have undergone terrifying experiences can also experience trauma that may affect their speech, language and communication skills.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience trauma as a result of colonisation and its ongoing impact.
This trauma can make it hard to communicate effectively
Speech pathologists specialise in helping people with communication and swallowing needs. Many people who have experienced trauma struggle with their communication and swallowing skills. Therefore, speech pathologists play an essential role in supporting people who have experienced trauma.