Each and every May we celebrate Better Hearing & Speech Month. This is a perfect time to describe what a speech-language pathologist does and raise awareness about communication disorders. Kellie Green, owner of Premier Speech and mother of 2, shared some frequently asked questions and resources, and ways to help you celebrate for the remainder of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a professional that diagnoses and treats a variety of speech, language, and feeding disorders with children and adults. Communication disorders are among the most common childhood disabilities. In most cases, they are very treatable.
Are speech and language the same thing?
If you child is having difficulty with their speech, they may experience difficulty producing specific sounds. This also includes the ability to sequence sounds together to make words. Difficulties with language include what they understand (receptive language), how they use language (expressive), and being aware of the social rules we use in our daily interactions (pragmatics).
Why would my child need to see an SLP?
If you fear your child might be experiencing some difficulties, it is best to get an evaluation. This process allows the SLP to determine areas that may be delayed or areas where they are experiencing difficulties.
What disorders do SLPs treat?
SLPs treat a variety of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. This is a short list of disorders: Apraxia, Articulation (speech) delays, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Language Delays, Phonological Disorders. Click here for more!
My child is just 2, can’t I just “wait and see”?
NO! Research has shown that children make the greatest gains when intervention begins in the early stages of life, birth – 3 years old. Delaying treatment means missing a critical window where foundational speech and language skills are developed. Children learn by hearing and listening. This skill lays a solid foundation for later success with reading, writing, academics, and socially. Learn how to identify the signs!
Raising a child with a communication disorder in a world where they are accepted for who they are can be a challenge. One of our contributors shared her personal story. Know that you are not alone. The ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) is committed to providing the support and awareness for communication for all!
If you have any questions or concerns about your little one, contact a speech-language pathologist or audiologist near you! Check out the links below for more information.
Typical Speech and Language Development
Learning More Than One Language
Fact or Fiction? 10 Assumptions about Early Speech and Language Development
How to Use Easy and Fun Crafts for Speech Therapy
Local blog written by a pediatric speech therapist: Let’s Play: the speech and language way
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