A common misconception is that Speech Language Pathologists only teach children how to say sounds correctly.
While this is true, it is only one of the many things we do do.
The role of a Speech Language Pathologist is to:
1. Evaluate
2. Diagnose
3. Treat
communication disorders for children and adults with:
• Articulation disorders
• Language disorders
• Auditory Processing disorders • Phonological disorders • Developmental delay • Stuttering • English language learners (or ELL) • Stroke • Hearing loss • Traumatic Brain Injury
And that’s just the beginning! We can also serve individuals with:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD)
• Apraxia of Speech
• Cochlear Implants
• Learning Disorders/Learning Disabilities • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (or PDD) • Speech Muscle Weakness (also known as Dysarthria) • Sensory Integration Disorder
Furthermore… we help both young and old who have or have had:
• Voice Disorders
• A laryngectomy
• Feeding Disorders
• Accent Reduction/Modification needs
• Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate
• Swallowing Disorders (also known as Dysphagia) • Syndromes like Down, Asperger, and Craniofacial • Neurological Disorders such as Cerebral Palsy • Alternative and Augmentative Communication (or AAC) • Diseases like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s etc.
Wow! That’s a lot. And I am sure a missed something!
Anyway I mention all of this to show you the people and communication disorders a Speech Language Pathologist might work with. It is such an interesting and wonderful job, no wonder I love it.
Until next time,
• Beth
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