WHAT DOES A SPEECH THERAPIST DO?
A Speech Language Pathologists (SLP for short) works to assess then assist others with a vast range of conditions across all ages that includes:
COGNITION
CHILDREN
Specific Learning Impairment (SLI)/Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
ADD/ADHD
Autism: Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
Processing Speed Training
Executive Functions such as:
-Memory
-Attention
-Time Management
-Planning
-Problem Solving
-Mental Flexibility
-Impulse Control
-Task Initiation
-Organization
-Note taking
ADULTS
Memory Care Education for Dementia
Recent Traumatic Brain Injury
Post-stroke retraining for:
Processing Speed
Executive Functions such as:
-Memory
-Attention
-Time Management
-Planning
-Problem Solving
-Mental Flexibility
-Impulse Control
-Task Initiation
-Organization
-Note taking
VOICE
ASSESSMENT
Perceptual Evaluation: Listening to and analyzing the quality of the voice (e.g., hoarseness, breathiness, pitch).
**SLPs help differentiate between functional, organic, and neurologic voice disorders, often after a laryngologist rules out structural or medical causes.
TREATMENT
Voice Therapy Techniques: Includes exercises to improve vocal quality, reduce strain, and promote healthy vocal habits (e.g., resonant voice therapy, vocal function exercises).
Education: Teaching vocal hygiene (hydration, avoiding shouting, etc.).
Behavioral Modification: Addressing harmful voice use patterns like throat clearing or yelling.
Biofeedback: Using real-time visual or auditory feedback to improve voice use.
Counseling and Support: Helping clients cope with the emotional and social aspects of voice disorders and sometimes referring to mental health professionals if needed.
COMMUNICATION
CHILDREN
Articulation and Resonance
-Cleft Palate
-Developmental Delay
-Autism Spectrum
Written Communication:
-spelling, writing, reading.
Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC)
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
ADULTS
Dysarthria: facial and tongue weakness after stroke
Aphasia Therapy for:
-Broca's Aphasia
-Wernicke's Aphasia
-Global Aphasia
Apraxia of Speech
LANGUAGE
ASSESSMENT:
Standardized Assessments:
-Clinical Evaluation of
Language Fundamentals
5th edition (CELF-5)
-Oral & Written Language
Scales 2nd edition (OWLS2)
(Coming soon!)
TREATMENT:
Support for delayed language development for both types of language development:
-Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)
-Analytic Language Acquisition (ALA)
**The majority of individuals with Autism develop language differently than individuals who don't; Those with Autism typically use Natural Language Acquisition and require a different model of treatment (if delayed) than those that are Analytic Language Processors! It's important to understand both in order to properly treat both!
Written Language
-Dyslexia
-Reading/Writing
-Grammar and Word knowledge
SWALLOWING
CHILDREN
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works closely with:
-Pediatricians
-Gastroenterologists
-Occupational/physical therapists
-Dietitians
-Nurses and caregiversFeeding Therapy
Compensatory Strategies
Sensory Integration (if sensory issues are present)
Caregiver Training
ADULTS
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works closely with:
-Pediatricians
-Gastroenterologists
-Occupational/physical
therapists
-Dietitians
-Nurses and caregivers
Clinical Bedside Swallow Eval
Swallowing Exercises
Compensatory Strategies
Education and Counseling
PRAGMATICS
(social skills)
ASSESSMENT
Orion’s Pragmatic Language Skills Questionnaire
Pragmatics Checklist
Pragmatics portion of the CELF-5 evaluation
TREATMENT
Nonverbal Communication
-Eye Contact
-Turn Taking
-Social Cognition:(How you
perceive others and how
others perceive you)
-Reading faces, body
language, and emotions
-Understanding thoughts
and feelings
-Forming impressions
-Forming judgements about other people's beliefs,
intentions, and actions
-Learning appropriate
social behavior
Conversation Skills
Changing Language Based on the Listener or Situation
Speech Conventions
Peer Skills
We Do Home Schooling and Telehealth Too!
We Do Home Schooling and Telehealth Too!
If you home school your children or would prefer telehealth (online services in Colorado) we are here to help!
Call or schedule a FREE consult online!
Page updated
Report abuse