Speech-language pathologists, also called SLP, are experts in communication. SLPs work with people of all ages, from infants to adults. SLPs treat many types of communication and swallowing problems. Speech therapists are experts in performing evaluations, diagnoses, and treatments for people with speech, language, cognitive, or oral motor disabilities.
In most cases, it's caused by a stroke that affects the part of the brain that controls speech and language. The function of the speech therapist is to provide care that improves, restores, or maintains specific functions related to speech and language. The word “speech” is used in relation to components of vocal activity, such as phonation (the production of a vocal tone), articulation (the movement of parts of the mouth to produce sounds and words of speech), resonance (the overall quality of the voice), and fluency (the timing, fluidity, and synchronization of these parts). As speech therapy can now be done online, attending consultations is not only easy, but also comfortable and simple.
Speech therapy can help some people regain the ability to express their wants and needs, establish relationships, perform daily tasks, and succeed in school or work. Speech therapists have a master's degree from a program accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. While speech disorders refer to the inability to produce sounds correctly, language disorders refer to difficulty communicating through speech, writing, or gestures. A speech-language pathologist's job is to find the cause or source of a certain communication problem and work with the patient to improve and strengthen language and communication skills.
Understanding the cause of speech, language, literacy, eating, or other oral motor difficulties allows the speech therapist to identify and appreciate each person's unique strengths and recognize the areas where help and support is needed. Speech therapists work to prevent, identify, diagnose, and treat disorders related to speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing in people of all ages. To become a speech-language pathologist, one must have a master's degree in their field and a wealth of clinical and practical experience before obtaining certification. The American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and accrediting association with 223,000 members and affiliates, who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology support staff, and students.
Speech therapists also work in a similar way to a doctor, performing the necessary tests and evaluations to identify areas of concern, establish a diagnosis, and then work collaboratively with other therapists and medical professionals to develop a unique, personalized treatment plan for each of their patients. If you're worried that your child won't speak or understand speech at an age-appropriate level, talk to your child's doctor.
