What is the role of a speech-language pathologist?
Do speech therapists only work on speech sounds? No! We work with children and adults in many other areas as well! Yes, helping children learn how to correctly articulate sounds is a big part of being a speech therapist, but we have expertise in many other areas as well. As a speech-language pathologist, we are trained to diagnose and treat language disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders, and even swallowing disorders!
What is a language disorder?
There are two parts to language: receptive and expressive. Receptive language is what we understand while expressive language is the ability to communicate thoughts and/or feelings. Expressive communication can be through gestures, words, signs and/or symbols. An individual with a language disorder might have difficulty understanding what others are saying (receptive language disorder) and/or expressing themselves (expressive language disorder). Areas of language that a child might have a deficit in could include: auditory comprehension, vocabulary, word order (syntax), grammar, analogies, idioms, categories, social skills, etc. The role of the speech-language pathologist would be to administer a diagnostic assessment in order to best identify if your child would benefit from therapy targeting different domains of language.
What is an articulation disorder?
A child might be identified as having an articulation disorder if they have trouble making speech sounds that should be developed by their age. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can conduct an evaluation to identify if your child is having a difficulty producing specific sounds. The SLP can identify if the child has specific articulation (speech sound errors) or a phonological disorder (pattern of sound errors). The speech pathologist can then recommend therapy if sounds in error should have been developed by your child’s age.
What is a fluency disorder?
A fluency disorder is often referred to as stuttering. Individuals with a fluency disorder have difficulties with producing fluent and smooth flowing speech. An SLP can conduct an evaluation to identify severity of fluency disorder and recommend a therapy plan to aid in increasing fluency for individuals. Fluency plans are very individualized.
What is a voice disorder?
A voice disorder is a vocal deficit that affects an individuals daily communication needs. Common voice disorders include laryngitis, polyps, nodules, muscle tension dysphonia, and more. A speech-language pathologist specializing in voice therapy can conduct an appropriate evaluation and make recommendations for voice therapy to help individuals achieve their voice goals.
If you are in Pittsburgh and think that your child might benefit from speech-language evaluation, please contact Berry Speech Academy today!
