EXPERT
Genevieve Richardson
Speech-Language Pathologist
Dr. Genevieve Richardson is a speech language pathologist practicing in Austin, TX. Dr. Richardson specializes in speech, language and swallowing disorders in patients. As a speech language pathologist, Dr. Richardson evaluates, diagnoses and treats patients with communication and swallowing troubles. These conditions may be due to developmental delay, brain injury, hearing loss, autism, stroke or other diseases and injuries. Dr. Richardson helps patients make sounds and improve their voices through various methods. Speech language pathologists also work with patients to strengthen muscles used to speak and swallow, and work with individuals and families to help cope with their conditions.
Genevieve Richardson
- Austin, TX
- Accepting new patients
The Words Left Unsaid: Bridging the Aphasia & Caregiving Gap
"Why Can’t You Just Say Thank You? "My friend Anne recently had surgery. As she spoke with the nurse beforehand, she asked, “Do you know what aphasia is? ”The nurse, almost offended,...
Can you help with speech stuttering?
Absolutely! Stuttering is something speech pathologists work with all the time. It’s more than just repeating sounds—it’s about how the brain coordinates speech, emotions, and READ MORE
Absolutely! Stuttering is something speech pathologists work with all the time. It’s more than just repeating sounds—it’s about how the brain coordinates speech, emotions, and even physical tension.
For your daughter, therapy can help with:
- Building confidence so she feels comfortable speaking in different situations
- Learning techniques to make speech feel easier, like using pauses and easing into words
- Understanding what makes stuttering better or worse, like stress or fast conversations
- Coaching for parents, since how you respond can make a big difference
Not all speech therapists specialize in stuttering, so finding the right one is important. Look for:
- Experience with stuttering specifically, not just general speech therapy
- A supportive, confidence-building approach, not just fluency drills
- Therapy that includes parents so you know how to help at home
- A therapist your daughter feels comfortable with—it makes a big difference
To find a certified speech-language pathologist who specializes in fluency, check the **Stuttering Foundation** or the **American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) at asha.org**. The right support can make a huge impact!
For your daughter, therapy can help with:
- Building confidence so she feels comfortable speaking in different situations
- Learning techniques to make speech feel easier, like using pauses and easing into words
- Understanding what makes stuttering better or worse, like stress or fast conversations
- Coaching for parents, since how you respond can make a big difference
Not all speech therapists specialize in stuttering, so finding the right one is important. Look for:
- Experience with stuttering specifically, not just general speech therapy
- A supportive, confidence-building approach, not just fluency drills
- Therapy that includes parents so you know how to help at home
- A therapist your daughter feels comfortable with—it makes a big difference
To find a certified speech-language pathologist who specializes in fluency, check the **Stuttering Foundation** or the **American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) at asha.org**. The right support can make a huge impact!
How do I continue speech therapy at home after class?
The key to making progress is practicing outside of speech therapy, and there are plenty of ways to keep improving at home. Here’s how you can continue speech therapy on your READ MORE
The key to making progress is practicing outside of speech therapy, and there are plenty of ways to keep improving at home.
Here’s how you can continue speech therapy on your own:
Know your goals – If you're working on articulation, fluency, voice, or something else, make sure you understand what you're practicing and why.
Use a mirror or record yourself – This helps you see and hear what’s working and where you can improve.
Practice in real conversations – Try using your strategies when talking to friends, family, or even when ordering food or answering the phone.
Slow down and take your time – If speech feels difficult, pause, breathe, and use the techniques from therapy.
Read out loud – This is a great way to practice speech in a low-pressure way while focusing on clarity and confidence.
Stick with it – Progress takes time, but small, consistent practice makes a big difference.
If your speech therapist gave you exercises, try to do them regularly. But even if they didn’t, these simple strategies will help you keep improving. Keep going—you’ve got this!
Here’s how you can continue speech therapy on your own:
Know your goals – If you're working on articulation, fluency, voice, or something else, make sure you understand what you're practicing and why.
Use a mirror or record yourself – This helps you see and hear what’s working and where you can improve.
Practice in real conversations – Try using your strategies when talking to friends, family, or even when ordering food or answering the phone.
Slow down and take your time – If speech feels difficult, pause, breathe, and use the techniques from therapy.
Read out loud – This is a great way to practice speech in a low-pressure way while focusing on clarity and confidence.
Stick with it – Progress takes time, but small, consistent practice makes a big difference.
If your speech therapist gave you exercises, try to do them regularly. But even if they didn’t, these simple strategies will help you keep improving. Keep going—you’ve got this!
Can a speech delay be caused by a work injury?
Yes, a head injury can affect speech and thinking, leading to delays or difficulties with communication. It's important for your cousin to take this seriously and address it as READ MORE
Yes, a head injury can affect speech and thinking, leading to delays or difficulties with communication. It's important for your cousin to take this seriously and address it as soon as possible. Id recommend they speak with their manager and report any changes to the employment physician. Following up with their doctor immediately is essential to ensure they receive the right care and support. Even subtle changes in speech or thinking can signal something that needs attention. Wishing your cousin a smooth recovery. Let me know if I can provide more information or resources.
Can adults benefit from speech therapy?
Yes, adults can benefit from speech pathology services. We specialize in communication and articulation (how you say sounds and words). Google speech-language pathologists in your READ MORE
Yes, adults can benefit from speech pathology services. We specialize in communication and articulation (how you say sounds and words). Google speech-language pathologists in your town and then explain to them what you want to work on. They can help you. Best of wishes.
Can an adult see a speech pathologist?
An adult can definitely see a speech pathologist. If you are having trouble pronouncing words, search for a speech pathologist who works with either articulation, if the SLP works READ MORE
An adult can definitely see a speech pathologist. If you are having trouble pronouncing words, search for a speech pathologist who works with either articulation, if the SLP works with kids, or dysarthria if the SLP works with adult clients. Often, you can find SLPs who work with both kids and adults. They will be able to help you pronounce words. Best wishes.
How long should speech therapy be after a stroke?
The length of time a patient attends speech therapy after a stroke varies widely, influenced by factors such as the severity of speech or language difficulties, areas affected READ MORE
The length of time a patient attends speech therapy after a stroke varies widely, influenced by factors such as the severity of speech or language difficulties, areas affected (like aphasia, apraxia, or dysarthria), individual progress, and personal goals. However, your concerns about your grandfather’s therapy suggest it may be beneficial to explore different therapy approaches and potentially seek a therapist whose methods align more closely with his needs and goals.
If you're considering finding a new therapist, whether in a hospital setting or private practice, here are some questions that can help determine their approach:
1. How would you describe your overall approach to therapy? Do you focus more on specific impairments or the patient's participation in daily life?
2. Can you explain how you set therapy goals? Are they based on standardized assessments or tailored to individual life goals?
3. Do you incorporate real-life scenarios and activities into your therapy sessions?
4. What is the role of family and caregivers in your therapy process?
5. How do you adapt your therapy if a patient’s goals or circumstances change?
These questions can help you understand whether the SLP practices a traditional, impairment-based approach or a more holistic method like the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA).
Regarding therapy settings:
- Hospital-based clinics often lean towards an impairment-based approach, especially soon after a stroke. This focus is driven by the immediate need to address specific impairments following a medical event.
- Private Practice therapists might be more inclined towards diverse approaches, including LPAA. They usually have greater flexibility to tailor therapy to individual lifestyles and personal goals, as they operate with fewer constraints than larger healthcare institutions.
Considering these points, talking with your grandfather and his current therapist about his therapy is crucial. Understanding his views and reassessing his goals might also help determine the best path forward. If he feels that his current therapy isn't aligned with his personal objectives or interests, exploring other therapists, especially those in private practice who might employ LPAA, could be a beneficial next step. This approach focuses on enabling patients to participate in life activities that are meaningful to them, which might resonate more with your grandfather’s needs and motivations.
If you're considering finding a new therapist, whether in a hospital setting or private practice, here are some questions that can help determine their approach:
1. How would you describe your overall approach to therapy? Do you focus more on specific impairments or the patient's participation in daily life?
2. Can you explain how you set therapy goals? Are they based on standardized assessments or tailored to individual life goals?
3. Do you incorporate real-life scenarios and activities into your therapy sessions?
4. What is the role of family and caregivers in your therapy process?
5. How do you adapt your therapy if a patient’s goals or circumstances change?
These questions can help you understand whether the SLP practices a traditional, impairment-based approach or a more holistic method like the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA).
Regarding therapy settings:
- Hospital-based clinics often lean towards an impairment-based approach, especially soon after a stroke. This focus is driven by the immediate need to address specific impairments following a medical event.
- Private Practice therapists might be more inclined towards diverse approaches, including LPAA. They usually have greater flexibility to tailor therapy to individual lifestyles and personal goals, as they operate with fewer constraints than larger healthcare institutions.
Considering these points, talking with your grandfather and his current therapist about his therapy is crucial. Understanding his views and reassessing his goals might also help determine the best path forward. If he feels that his current therapy isn't aligned with his personal objectives or interests, exploring other therapists, especially those in private practice who might employ LPAA, could be a beneficial next step. This approach focuses on enabling patients to participate in life activities that are meaningful to them, which might resonate more with your grandfather’s needs and motivations.
Will my mother regain her speech after her stroke?
I understand your concern about your mother's ability to regain clear speech after her stroke. It's a question that many families in your situation have. However, without specific READ MORE
I understand your concern about your mother's ability to regain clear speech after her stroke. It's a question that many families in your situation have. However, without specific diagnostic information about your mother's speech, language, and cognitive abilities post-stroke, it's challenging to provide a definitive answer.
Recovery after a stroke varies significantly from person to person due to numerous factors. These factors include the location and severity of the stroke, the individual’s overall health, their age, the level of support they have, and how quickly they began speech therapy after the stroke.
Your mother must work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has experience in rehabilitating speech, language, and cognitive abilities after a stroke. The SLP will assess your mother’s abilities and develop a personalized treatment plan. Depending on her specific needs, this plan may involve various exercises and strategies to improve her speech and language skills.
The journey to recovery can be gradual and requires patience, persistence, and support from family and caregivers. Stay optimistic and encourage your mother to participate actively in her therapy sessions.
Best wishes to you and your mother on this journey. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.
Recovery after a stroke varies significantly from person to person due to numerous factors. These factors include the location and severity of the stroke, the individual’s overall health, their age, the level of support they have, and how quickly they began speech therapy after the stroke.
Your mother must work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has experience in rehabilitating speech, language, and cognitive abilities after a stroke. The SLP will assess your mother’s abilities and develop a personalized treatment plan. Depending on her specific needs, this plan may involve various exercises and strategies to improve her speech and language skills.
The journey to recovery can be gradual and requires patience, persistence, and support from family and caregivers. Stay optimistic and encourage your mother to participate actively in her therapy sessions.
Best wishes to you and your mother on this journey. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.
What's speech therapy like for adults?
I'm glad you reached out with this question. It's great to hear that you're seeking information to support your mother's journey through speech therapy after her stroke. Adult READ MORE
I'm glad you reached out with this question. It's great to hear that you're seeking information to support your mother's journey through speech therapy after her stroke. Adult speech therapy, especially for slurred speech due to a stroke, is a bit different from the speech therapy sessions for children, but the core aim is the same: improving communication.
After a stroke, the initial step in speech therapy is to conduct a thorough evaluation. This means the therapist will assess your mother's ability to produce sounds, observing her muscle coordination and how well she can pronounce syllables, words, and sentences and engage in longer forms of speech.
The treatment is highly personalized and tailored to your mother's specific needs. If she struggles with certain sounds or words, the therapy will focus on those. The sessions might include exercises to strengthen the muscles used in speech, practicing the pronunciation of challenging words, or working on the rhythm and flow of speech to make it more understandable.
For instance, a typical session could involve practicing syllable combinations, moving on to words and then sentences, depending on her progress. Activities aimed at improving breath control and pacing, which are crucial for clear speech, may also be included. The therapist might use various tools and techniques, including visual aids, repetition exercises, and even technology-assisted therapies, to facilitate improvement.
The ultimate goal is to enhance your mother's speech clarity, aiming for the highest level of understandable speech possible. The focus is not just on individual sounds or words but on ensuring she can be understood in everyday conversations.
Every person's recovery journey is unique, and progress can vary. The therapist will continually assess and adjust the therapy plan to align with her evolving needs. Your support, encouragement and a skilled therapist can make a significant difference in her recovery.
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect in adult speech therapy sessions for slurred speech due to a stroke. Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further assistance!
After a stroke, the initial step in speech therapy is to conduct a thorough evaluation. This means the therapist will assess your mother's ability to produce sounds, observing her muscle coordination and how well she can pronounce syllables, words, and sentences and engage in longer forms of speech.
The treatment is highly personalized and tailored to your mother's specific needs. If she struggles with certain sounds or words, the therapy will focus on those. The sessions might include exercises to strengthen the muscles used in speech, practicing the pronunciation of challenging words, or working on the rhythm and flow of speech to make it more understandable.
For instance, a typical session could involve practicing syllable combinations, moving on to words and then sentences, depending on her progress. Activities aimed at improving breath control and pacing, which are crucial for clear speech, may also be included. The therapist might use various tools and techniques, including visual aids, repetition exercises, and even technology-assisted therapies, to facilitate improvement.
The ultimate goal is to enhance your mother's speech clarity, aiming for the highest level of understandable speech possible. The focus is not just on individual sounds or words but on ensuring she can be understood in everyday conversations.
Every person's recovery journey is unique, and progress can vary. The therapist will continually assess and adjust the therapy plan to align with her evolving needs. Your support, encouragement and a skilled therapist can make a significant difference in her recovery.
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect in adult speech therapy sessions for slurred speech due to a stroke. Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further assistance!
Is stuttering a speech disability?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an individual with a disability experiences significant limitations in one or more major life activities due to a physical or mental READ MORE
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an individual with a disability experiences significant limitations in one or more major life activities due to a physical or mental impairment. Specifically, for individuals who stutter, the ADA recognizes that substantial limitations in the crucial life activity of speaking may qualify them as having a disability. This recognition is crucial, as it encompasses not only the physical challenges posed by stuttering but also addresses societal prejudices and misconceptions about disabilities, which can be equally disabling. It's important to understand that perceptions and discrimination based =
My daughter can't pronounce some letters. How can I help her?
At six years old, I assume she is already in school? She should have been screened by her teacher and a speech pathologist, especially if she has a lisp. In some children, some READ MORE
At six years old, I assume she is already in school? She should have been screened by her teacher and a speech pathologist, especially if she has a lisp. In some children, some sounds don't develop until later in their development, but speech therapy is necessary to improve a lisp. A speech pathologist has the knowledge and experience to help your daughter. If she has yet to see the speech pathologist at her school, you can request an evaluation through the special education department of your school district. You can also seek an evaluation and treatment with a speech pathology clinic outside the school district. Google "speech pathology for a lisp + your town + state." When you call a clinic, be sure to ask for a clinician who is experienced in the treatment of a lisp. Best wishes!
Can speech therapy help with autism?
Yes, speech therapy can help her. I would have you consider finding a speech pathologist specializing in autism so that you maximize progress. Finding a specialist is key.
How can a speech pathologist help my son?
A speech pathologist is a specialist in articulation, the motor movement of the mouth to produce sounds, syllables, words, etc.). She understands the anatomy and physiology of READ MORE
A speech pathologist is a specialist in articulation, the motor movement of the mouth to produce sounds, syllables, words, etc.). She understands the anatomy and physiology of speech production and can train your son how to produce these sounds. Best wishes!
Can hearing loss from infection affect speech?
Yes, ear infections can impact speech. Babies need their hearing to learn about their environment and about speech. Think of a baby as a sponge, absorbing everything around them. READ MORE
Yes, ear infections can impact speech. Babies need their hearing to learn about their environment and about speech. Think of a baby as a sponge, absorbing everything around them. In general, an infection in the ear can be a build of of mucous that block the transmission of sounds, Think of it like trying to hear underwater. See your pediatrician to address the ear infection(s). Best wishes.
