Speech Language Pathologist
What is a Speech Language Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists, also called SLPs, are experts in communication. SLPs work with people of all ages, from babies to adults. SLPs treat many types of communication and swallowing problems. These include problems with:
- Speech sounds
- How we say sounds and put sounds together into words. Other words for these problems are articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria.
- Language
- How well we understand what we hear or read and how we use words to tell others what we are thinking. In adults this problem may be called aphasia.
- Literacy
- How well we read and write. People with speech and language disorders may also have trouble reading, spelling, and writing.
- Social communication
- How well we follow rules, like taking turns, how to talk to different people, or how close to stand to someone when talking. This is also called pragmatics.
- Voice
- How our voices sound. We may sound hoarse, lose our voices easily, talk too loudly or through our noses, or be unable to make sounds.
- Fluency
- Also called stuttering, is how well speech flows. Someone who stutters may repeat sounds, like t-t-t-table, use "um" or "uh," or pause a lot when talking. Many young children will go through a time when they stutter, but most outgrow it.
- Cognitive-communication
- How well our minds work. Problems may involve memory, attention, problem solving, organization, and other thinking skills.
- Feeding and swallowing
- How well we suck, chew, and swallow food and liquid. A swallowing disorder may lead to poor nutrition, weight loss, and other health problems. This is also called dysphagia.
What Training do Speech Language Pathologists Receive?
Speech Therapists (SLP’s) are trained in a Masters level program. SLP’s complete an accredited program, supervised fieldwork, and a national certification examination. These form the basis for state licensing of therapists. All SLP’s participate in annual continuing education focused on evidence based practice.
What does a school SLP do?
SLP’s help students with expressive language, receptive language, fluency, literacy, articulation and speech sound disorders, as well as social pragmatic communication. They may help with pull out services or in their classroom. They work closely with your students general education teacher, special education teacher, or other support personnel.