The fact that 'the ability to speak' and 'the ability to communicate' are not the same

When people hear the term 'speech-language-hearing therapist,' many may think of pronunciation practice or swallowing training.

However, what we face in the field are more invisible 'difficulties.'

For example,

・Being unable to explain well even to oneself what happened
・Being unable to convey to those around them what they are struggling with
・Being unable to put into words what they want others to do
・Being unable to express their feelings or thoughts well

These kinds of difficulties cannot be measured solely by 'how much one can speak.'

What is important is whether that person's thoughts reach the other party.

In fact, there are many people who, even if they cannot speak well, can convey their thoughts using gestures, facial expressions, writing, or communication devices.

On the other hand, there are also people who, even if their speech has returned to some extent, continue to struggle because they cannot effectively convey their situation or feelings.

What becomes clear from this is that 'the ability to speak' and 'the ability to communicate' are not necessarily the same thing.

Therefore, what we can do is not just 'train the parts that cannot be done.'

'Thinking together about how to communicate by making the most of the abilities one currently has.'

I feel that this is also an important role for a speech-language-hearing therapist.

And another important thing is how the people around them interact with them.

・Not just waiting for words, but trying to grasp the thoughts they want to convey
・Paying attention to facial expressions and gestures as well
・Not assuming that 'not being able to communicate' means 'not being able to do anything'

These small differences in how we interact can greatly change communication.

Being able to 'communicate' leads to protecting that person's 'power to choose.'

And that also means supporting them in living life in their own way.

What lies beyond speech rehabilitation is not 'becoming able to speak well.'

'Being able to live life as oneself.'

Aiming for that, we provide support every day.

We tend to judge others based solely on the 'words we see'.

However, beneath those words, there are unspoken thoughts and feelings that cannot be fully expressed, which certainly exist.

That is why what matters is,

not 'what was said,' but focusing on 'what is being conveyed.'

With just that perspective, the way we interact changes, and the breadth of that person's world changes as well.

Conveying something cannot be done alone.

'The person trying to convey' and 'the person trying to receive.'

Only when both are present does communication truly take place.

If, starting today, you could focus just a little more on 'what I want to convey' rather than 'am I speaking correctly'—

that alone might allow someone's thoughts, which hadn't reached you before, to finally get through.

Thank you for reading until the end today as well.
Your likes and follows are a great encouragement. Thank you always, truly.

Be kind to yourself today, too. Be kind to others.
May you have a wonderful day✨️

#SpeechLanguagePathologist #Rehabilitation #Aphasia #HigherBrainDysfunction #Communication #DecisionMakingSupport #DayService #MedicalWelfare #InvisibleDisability