What exactly does a Speech-Language Pathologist do?

A Speech-Language Pathologist, or SLP, evaluates and treats children and adults who have difficulty with speech and/or language. SLPs must complete rigorous undergraduate and graduate coursework in anatomy and physiology, neurology, speech and language development and disorders, phonetics, audiology, and more! SLPs can be found working in schools, private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care centers, home health, and early intervention. Many people are surprised to learn that SLPs are also qualified to assess and treat dysphagia, or swallowing disorders!

Let's discuss some of the areas addressed by SLPs in the public schools!

Articulation: The ability to produce speech sounds.

What could a problem in this area look like? Difficulty making the /s/ sound correctly, or substituting one sound for another (e.g. "wed" for "red")

Phonology: The sound system, or patterns, in language.

What could a problem in this area look like? Deleting one sound in a consonant cluster (e.g. "say" for "stay") or deleting the final consonant in words (e.g. "ca" for "cat")

Fluency: The flow in which sounds, syllables, words, and phrases are joined together in our speech.

What could a problem in this area look like? Repeating whole or part words (e.g. "m-m-my", "get-get the ball")

Voice: Vocal quality or resonance.

What could a problem in this area look like? Abnormal and persisting hoarseness, or hypernasal speech. *Clearance from an Otolaryngologist (ENT) is necessary before treating any suspected voice disorder*

Receptive Language: Comprehension of language.

What could a problem in this area look like? Difficulty understanding and following directions, difficulty understanding vocabulary or certain sentence structures

Expressive Language: Use of language to communicate.

What could a problem in this area look like? Difficulty retelling stories in a clear, concise manner, difficulty formulating sentences or with grammar usage (e.g. "Her is running", "I goed to the store")

Pragmatic Language: Social language.

What could a problem in this area look like? Difficulty understanding social cues such as nonverbal language (e.g. facial expressions, gestures) or with conversational skills

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC): For nonverbal students or students with limited or compromised verbal speech.

SLPs also work with students who use picture symbols, communication books, and voice output devices.

In the school setting, SLPs may work with students who present with one or more of the above areas of need. Services may be provided individually or in groups, in the speech room or within the classroom. SLPs also work with the students' teachers to help with transferring new skills and supporting communication needs of all students in the classroom.

One of the best things about the field of speech-language pathology is the variety!