So frequently when people find out I’m a Speech Language Pathologist I get one of three responses: (1) Oh so you work with /s/’s and /r/’s!, (2) You’re a what? Or (3) That awesome my <insert family/friend/self> had therapy and it made such a difference. But even those who have direct interaction with a Speech Language Pathologist, oftentimes don’t realize the scope of the profession. And if you really want to blow someone’s mind tell them you work in a hospital or are a medical SLP. Of course you’re here, so either you have some background knowledge, are looking for services, or just want to learn more. Regardless of what brought you here, I’m going to help you understand the “who, what, where, when, and why” of the SLP’s world.
Who:
One of the best parts of being a speech language pathologist, is the fact that our profession allows us to work with all stages of life from infants in the NICU, to grandparents at nursing homes or ALFs.
What:
The best way it was described to me as a student was: “An SLP works with everything from the neck up.” That means: Dysphagia (swallowing disorders) Voice (anything impacting vocal quality such as resonance, intensity, quality), Speech disorders (such as articulation, phonological, dysarthria), Fluency (stuttering), Aphasia (which is categorized as a result of portions of the brain being damage, impacting expressive language & receptive), Cognition (which includes memory, problem solving, sequencing, mental manipulation, numerical sense, etc.). Additionally, Language (which can be receptive vs expressive and is the way one perceives communication and their ability to effectively communicate wants, needs, and more) and the use of AAC (alternative augmentative communication) because communication is more than just verbal, so if we can aid someone in finding a manner to communicate that’s what we do.
Where:
SLP’s work virtually everywhere: At homes, daycares, schools, private clinics, in libraries or public locations, in hospitals, in skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities. We can even come to you online. Therapists can come to you or you can come to them. There are even mobile dysphagia diagnostic trucks.
When:
Like mentioned above, there are no age requirements as to when you could use the services of an SLP. But rather, there are qualifying factors. As soon as you identify a concern (whether it is with your child’s development or your aging parent’s sustaining abilities) you should request a referral from your primary health care provider. Most insurance will cover the initial evaluation and many therapists will provide free screenings. Getting answers and early intervention is always the best option for aiding your loved one, in progressing or maintaining as much of their skills as possible.
Why:
This depends on each person. However, the purpose of our therapy is to improve quality of life, at any stage of life. We don’t often realize how much and how vital communication is and without it how isolated one can feel. Our job is to help bridge the gap as much as we can. It is no different with any other area in the field from dysphagia to fluency and cognition. Often most skills related to that area are implemented without thought, and it is not until you or someone you love has an impairment that you realize how vital and how complex it really is.
Hopefully, at this point you have a better understanding of everything your Speech Language Pathologist is educated and equipped to handle. But if I missed something, or you have additional questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
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