5 W's of a Speech-Language Pathologist

May is here. Spring is in the air, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is warm. May also is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. It is a time to recognize and celebrate better speech and hearing. I love that I get to help people with functional therapy. This month, I will dive deeper into the 5 W’s of speech therapy.

Who is a speech language pathologist? 

A speech language pathologist (SLP), also known as a speech therapist or a speech pathologist, is a trained individual who specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders. SLPs must complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in speech language pathology. During the graduate program, the student will participate in clinical experiences in various settings, with various disorders and of different ages. After graduation, a speech therapist must pass the praxis national examination. Following passing the test, the SLP applies for state licensure within the state(s) they desire to practice. Most state licensures require continuing education courses to be taken to maintain licensure. 

What does an SLP do? 

An SLP provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in 6 specific areas. These areas include: 

• Speech: Targets speech production, intelligibility, and fluidity 

• Language: Focusing on disorders in expressing thoughts and ideas clearly and disorders of understanding language

• Cognitive-Communication: Deficits in memory, problem-solving, executive functioning, and attention 

• Swallowing: Diagnosis and treatment of difficulties swallowing to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration by mouth

• Voice Disorders: Targets improving vocal function and quality 

• Social Communication: Focusing on disorders of engagement socially, both verbal and nonverbal skills

Where can an SLP work? 

• Early Intervention: Working with children who have yet to start school and therapy typically takes place in their home or at a preschool/daycare facility

• Schools: Working with school-aged children generally on language and/or articulation skills

• Hospitals: Treating individuals with acute conditions such as stroke or TBI

• Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers: SLPs work with individuals who require continued ongoing care before returning home 

• Home Health Companies: Providing care to individuals who have returned home after an acute event

• Nursing Homes: Providing care to individuals who are residing in a nursing home for short-term rehabilitation or long-term care to improve and maintain skills

• Outpatient Practices: Offers services to individuals who need continued support in the areas an SLP treats

When can someone work with an SLP?

An SLP can work with anyone across the age spectrum, from babies in the NICU to adults in a nursing home. An SLP can work with anyone who is experiencing changes in their speech, language, voice, swallowing, cognitive-communication, and social communication. A doctor's order is typically required before beginning speech therapy in a medical setting. 

Why work with an SLP? 

SLPs have an innate ability to improve an individuals quality of life in a variety of areas. 

We work alongside individuals to be able to clearly articulate the words “I love you” to their spouse that they’ve been married to for 50+ years. We provide strategies to help individuals produce the words to order their favorite meal at a restaurant. We work together to regain our clients ability to eat and drink their favorite foods. We navigate changes in memory and attention to help individuals get back to doing their favorite hobbies through implementing compensatory strategies and techniques. 

This is why I love being a speech therapist. I get to come alongside people, often at one of their most frustrating times, and guide them back to doing the things they love, with the people the love. 

There are so many ways to work with an SLP. If you are experiencing any of the struggles above, talk with your doctor to determine if a speech therapy referral would benefit you.

And as always, if you have any questions, I am only a click away.