Speech and Language Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP)
Specially trained professional therapists who have
A master’s or doctoral degree
A Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language-Hearing Association
A state license
What do they do?
Speech-Language Pathologists work with children and adolescents to help them develop and strengthen life-enriching speech and language skills. Speech-Language Pathologists address a variety of needs, which may include:
Articulation and Speech Intelligibility:
Sound production and clarity.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Communication methods are used to supplement or replace speech (e.g., sign language, symbol boards, communication devices).
Auditory Processing
Interpreting the information heard.
Expressive Language
Communication with words, gestures, and/or alternative methods.
Fluency/Stuttering
Continuity, smoothness, rate, and effort of speech.
Oral Motor
Movements of the muscles in the mouth, jaw, tongue, lips and cheeks responsible for speech and feeding related tasks, such as sucking, biting, crunching, licking and chewing.
Pragmatic Language/Social Skills
Using appropriate communication in a variety of social situations.
Receptive Language
Comprehension and understanding.
Voice
Pitch, volume and quality of speech.
When to seek help?
A referral may be necessary if your child is:
