SLP stands for Speech/Language Pathologist but can also be referred to as a Speech/Language Therapist, Speech Therapist, or even a Speech Teacher. Despite only having “speech” and “language” in the title, SLPs work with clients of all ages and serve to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
The following are some specific reasons for which a person may seek out an SLP:
Speech articulation/phonological concerns – This is when a person has difficulty producing speech sounds correctly. It can include specific sounds or sound patterns and often impacts one’s intelligibility (how well he/she can be understood by others).
Speech fluency concerns - This is when a person has difficulty with producing speech fluently (e.g., stuttering).
Voice concerns - This is characterized by the abnormal production and/or absences of vocal quality, pitch, loudness, resonance, and/or duration, which is inappropriate for an individual's age and/or sex.
Receptive language concerns - This may include difficulties or delays with understanding and listening comprehension such as following directions, answering questions, and/or recognizing/identifying vocabulary.
Expressive language concerns - Often those with expressive language delays have difficulties “getting their point across” to others. This may involve difficulty with using vocabulary, and/or difficulties with sentence structure/grammar. At times, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can be useful for those with significant (receptive and) expressive language delays/disorders, which may include the use of pictures or symbols and can range from no-tech to high-tech.
Pragmatic language/social communication concerns - This involves using language in functionally and socially acceptable ways (knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to say it) and may also involve nonverbal communication. It may include using greetings, commenting, asking questions, and following conversational rules. Often individuals with autism have particular difficulties in this area.
Cognitive-communication concerns - This may include problems organizing thoughts, paying attention, remembering, planning, and/or problem-solving. These disorders usually happen as a result of a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or dementia, although they can be congenital.
Swallowing disorders (“dysphagia”) are feeding and swallowing difficulties, which may follow an illness, surgery, stroke, or injury.
After completing initial assessments, SLPs prescribe and provide speech therapy to their clients. The frequency and duration are determined based on need and severity. Therapy services can be provided individually or in groups and can be offered in person and/or virtually based on therapist availability.
SLPs can be found in schools, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, as well as in private practice, and they often work in collaboration with other professionals based on their worksite (this may include teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation counselors and others).
Most SLPs hold a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, as well as a national certification from ASHA (the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). Some SLPs are required to obtain state licenses as well (such as those working in schools). Additional certifications may vary.
Overall, Speech/Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a vital role in helping individuals to overcome communication challenges and improve their quality of life. Through their expertise and dedication, SLPs support individuals in achieving their communication goals and maximizing their potential for success in various aspects of life, including improving independence as well as their confidence and self-esteem.
At Latch on to Language, I specialize in working with children from toddler-age to teenage and most frequently service those with deficits in articulation/phonology and language. I prefer to hold therapy sessions in my clients’ homes so that the environment is familiar and so that family members can observe and continue to provide practice/similar strategies between sessions. I offer in-home services to clients in Cecil County, MD, and nearby towns/cities in MD, PA, and DE. Additional travel fees apply to locations beyond this area. Virtual lessons are also effective and can be provided to address many speech and language concerns.
If you or your child fit any of the descriptions above or you’d like more information, please reach out to see if Latch on to Language may be a good fit! I look forward to working with you! 🌟
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