speech-language-pathologist – Our Speech Garden

Neuro-Divergent Voices

May 8, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

As a speech language pathologist, I often work with individuals who are neurodiverse. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the way that the brain functions and processes information, which includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety and many others.

As a professional, I have learned the importance of listening to neurodivergent voices and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of these individuals. Not only is this important for the well-being and empowerment of those individuals, but it also helps me as a practitioner to better serve and support my clients now and in the future. Its so important that we acknowledge we live in a unique time where we have a wave of neurodivergent voices who have first hand gone through a variety of therapies, schooling and social experiences. They can tell us, first hand, what worked, what didn’t and what hurt. What an incredible benefit to provide an entire community the opportunity to amplify their voices and utilize their experiences to help the children today.

Here are just a few reasons why it is important to listen to neurodivergent voices:

Neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation.

Just like there is diversity in ethnicity, gender, religion, race, etc., there is also diversity in the way that the brain functions. This diversity should be celebrated and respected, rather than discriminated against. By listening to neurodivergent voices, we can learn to appreciate and value the unique strengths and abilities that these individuals bring to the world.

Neurodivergent individuals have valuable insights and perspectives.

Many neurodivergent individuals have experienced firsthand the challenges and barriers that can come with living in a world that is not always accommodating to their needs. By listening to their voices, we can gain a deeper understanding of these challenges and work to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Neurodivergent individuals may also have valuable insights and perspectives on how to better support and communicate with individuals with similar experiences.

Listening to neurodivergent voices can help to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Unfortunately, neurodivergent individuals often face stigma and discrimination due to misunderstandings and biases about their conditions. By actively seeking out and valuing the perspectives of neurodivergent individuals, we can help to reduce this stigma and create a more accepting and understanding society.

As a parent, it is important to remember that every child is unique and has their own strengths and challenges. By listening to and valuing the perspectives of your neurodivergent child, you can help to support their well-being and empowerment. This may involve advocating for their needs in school and other environments, seeking out resources and support, and creating a positive and inclusive home environment.

Here are a few ways that you can support your neurodivergent child and listen to their voices:

Create a safe and inclusive environment at home.

Your child should feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts and feelings with you. Encourage open communication and make sure that your child feels heard and respected.

Educate yourself about your child’s condition.

It is important to have a good understanding of your child’s condition and how it may impact their development and daily life. Seek out reputable resources and support from professionals, such as speech language pathologists and other specialists.

Advocate for your child’s needs in school and other environments.

Your child may need accommodations and support in order to succeed in school and other environments. It is important to communicate with your child’s teachers and other professionals to ensure that their needs are being met.

Encourage your child’s interests and strengths.

Every child has unique strengths and interests. Encourage your child to pursue their passions and support them in their endeavors. This can help to boost their confidence and sense of self-worth.

For our practice, we will always remember to listen to the voices who have had previous experiences, and try to build on that. We will always listen to our clients no matter their size and always remember every client is a unique individual. What works or feels right to one, may not be the same for the next and that is 100% okay!

If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Serving Tampa bay with English and Spanish direct services, and consultation/parent education everywhere else.

What is an SLP?

April 22, 2024April 29, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

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.

Being Bilingual & Language Impairments

April 12, 2024April 29, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

“Is my child at risk of a language impairment because we speak two languages?“

As a bilingual speech language pathologist, I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve had a parent come into my treatment room full of embarrassment and shame, as they ask “is this my fault?” No! Wanting to preserve your culture and foster the ability to communicate and connect with your child is not the cause of a language impairment. On the contrary, research shows duo-language learners have numerous neurological advantages.

One study found that bilingual children had better executive function, or the ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks, compared to monolingual children (Bialystok, 2001). Executive function is an important predictor of language development as it involves the ability to use language to solve problems and communicate effectively. Another study found that bilingual children had a more advanced theory of mind, or the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others, compared to monolingual children (Bialystok, 2006). Theory of mind is also an important predictor of language development as it involves the ability to use language to express and interpret others’ mental states. In addition to these cognitive benefits, being bilingual has also been found to have a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline (Bialystok, Craik, & Freedman, 2007). This means that bilingual individuals may be less likely to experience cognitive decline as they age, compared to monolingual individuals.

Given these neurological benefits, it is clear that being bilingual is not the cause of a language impairment. In fact, it is likely that any language impairment in a bilingual child would be due to other factors. However, the reality is this concept of being bilingual leading to impairments is a common misconception. As a speech language pathologist it is vital we continue to educate those around us of the benefits and we stop encouraging bilingual families from speaking their native language.

***It is also important to recognize that a language impairment would be visible in both languages, not just one.*** If a child is experiencing a language impairment, they may have difficulty producing and comprehending language in both languages.

If you are a bilingual Spanish speaker and you are worried about your child’s language development, feel free to reach out. If you are local to the Tampa Bay area we would be happy to meet with you in person. If you are a little farther we are happy to do a virtual meeting and provide as much guidance as possible.

Ultimately anyone can have a language impairment, but it’s not going to be caused by being bilingual. And if you are struggling with this currently as a parent, we are here to walk alongside you, support you, or point you in the right direction.