Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) is quite a mouthful of a title to have, but the people in this field are all deserving of it. If you have never heard of this profession, ASHA defines a Speech-Language Pathologist as someone who "works to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults." The scope of this career goes far beyond what many believe. Here are some of the things that Speech-Language Pathologists do:
1. Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat speech sound disorders.
When you imagine a Speech-language Pathologist, this is what you assume is the only thing that they diagnose and treat. Speech sound disorders are a very broad category that includes both articulation and phonological processing disorders. These disorders include but are not limited to leaving sounds out of words and not being able to pronounce certain sounds at all.
2. Speech-Language Pathologists work on cognitive skills.
This is another broad category that includes (but of course isn't limited to) the ability to solve problems, organize information, memory, attention, and reasoning skills. Often times people who have a stroke or traumatic brain injury will have difficulty in these cognitive skills which is something that an SLP can address.
3. Speech-Language Pathologists help with receptive and expressive language skills.
Expressive and receptive language plays a very important role in the way we can communicate with others. Expressive language is our ability to express our own thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs. Receptive language is our actual understanding of language.
4. Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat stuttering (fluency).
Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by the repetition of sounds, syllables, or words; prolongation of sounds; and interruptions in speech known as blocks. Stuttering is a fluency disorder and speech pathologists can help teach techniques to decrease its occurrence.
5. Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat swallowing disorders (dysphasia).
Dysphagia is disordered swallowing. Often times older patients suffer from swallowing issues that could cause food to go into the airways and down into the lungs. It can be very dangerous and cause infection so it is up to the Speech-Language Pathologist to ensure the safety of the patient while eating. A radiologist will assist an SLP in a barium swallow test using highspeed Xrays to capture swallowing problems on video.
6. Speech-Language Pathologists help work on social skills.
Children often learn social skills by watching other children and adults, but children with disabilities often require specific instruction to learn social cues and skills. Speech-Language Pathologists help assist people of all ages with social skill difficulties which include eye-contact issues, turn-taking, and question-asking.
7. Speech-Language Pathologists help with feeding difficulties.
As Kara Larson says in the video, “Feeding is something we do multiple times a day. When that's disrupted, it can affect the entire family." Feeding issues may stem from sensory deficits, decreased muscle ability, and behavioral difficulties.
8. Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and help to treat voice disorders.
Voice disorders include hoarseness, nasality, abnormally high/low pitched voice, wet vocal quality, and more. This area of Speech pathology also enters voice training for singers so they do not damage their vocal folds as well as voice (pitch) training for those who are transgender.
9. Speech-Language Pathologists work on "play skills".
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Play skills seem like an odd thing to work on but it is so important for the growth and development of children. These skills include communicating with others, taking turns and much more.
10. Speech-Language Pathologists help with the use of Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC).
Often times people with disabilities will use an alternative communication device to assist them with communication, especially those who have low motor function. It is an SLP's job to ensure they are using the alternative device to communicate effectively.
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