 Here's the 3rd installment for Better Hearing and Speech Month!
Speech-language pathologists can diagnose and treat a variety of speech and language disorders among children and adults (e.g., stuttering, voice disorders, articulation, language delays, etc.). My practice happens to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric speech sound disorders, including articulation, phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, and other motor speech deficits. But, there are 3 lesser known areas in addition to speech and language that many SLPs assess and treat... 1. Feeding and Swallowing... yup! We assess and treat all phases of swallowing. In fact, when I was working in the acute rehab setting, patients with dysphagia (swallowing disorders) were about 80% of my caseload. There are also SLPs who specialize in the treatment of atypical eating among infants and children (e.g., food selectivity/refusal, negative physiologic response, etc.). 2. Cognition... SLPs frequently address attention, memory, problem-solving, and executive functioning in many different settings, such as hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, private practices, schools, and even in patients' homes, 3. Literacy... reading, writing, and spelling are a vital part of language, and are areas in which many SLPs choose to specialize. We often think of "language" in terms of primarily spoken language, but written language is a logical and crucial extension of language development. Click here for more information about the SLP's Scope of Practice. Happy Better Hearing and Speech Month! #BHSM17
12 Comments
7/5/2021 04:48:20 pm
I appreciate that this post stressed that speech pathology is relevant as it helps us to improve our speech skills. I do agree that it is important for us to learn the proper method as it will impact the quality of our speech. I will definitely keep this information in mind when I look for a trainer. 8/26/2021 12:22:31 pm
I didn't know that speech pathologists can help with feeding and swallowing. My sister's daughter has been having a lot of issues with that. I will suggest that she look into going to a speech pathologist. 3/28/2022 02:42:43 pm
It's interesting to think that speech therapists can help with memory and problem-solving. My friend has been wondering if her son should see a speech therapist. It seems like they could help in areas that I never considered a speech therapist could help. 4/14/2022 11:11:39 am
What an exquisite article! Your post is very helpful right now. Thank you for sharing this informative one. 6/28/2022 08:11:32 am
Awesome piece, thank you for sharing it very insightful. It's interesting to know that speech therapy professionals can also assess and treat swallowing issues such as patients with dysphagia. I will share this information with my sister in case her daughter really has that kind of problem or condition, we have been noticing certain signs of difficulty in that area. She is still three years old and has a problem with pronouncing even the simplest syllable that should be easy for kids her age. 4/3/2024 12:43:49 am
Your writing style is so engaging. I couldn't stop reading! 4/19/2025 12:01:15 am
I had no idea that SLPs did so much more than speech and articulation work. The section on feeding and swallowing really caught my attention—especially the part about food selectivity and refusal in children. That must require such a delicate balance of clinical knowledge and compassion. Thank you for sharing the lesser-known roles SLPs play beyond just speech and language! Leave a Reply. |
Author
Amy is a licensed/certified Speech Language Pathologist in Colorado Springs and owner of Graham Speech Therapy, LLC.
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