Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP)
is a professional who evaluates, diagnoses, and provides treatment for children
and adults with Speech/Language Disorders and/or Delays. Areas of
Speech/Language that are addressed include:
-
Articulation: How speech sounds are produced.
-
Phonology: How sounds are organized into classes and the rules/patterns
that govern production.
-
Receptive Language: How we comprehend language and language concepts in
a variety of areas: semantics (vocabulary), syntax (grammar), pragmatics
(social skills), and morphology (word order). Listening and Auditory
Processing (how language is processed auditorally) is also included in
Receptive Language (example: following multi-step directions).
-
Expressive Language: How we use language to express ideas, feelings,
and needs in a variety of areas: semantics (vocabulary), syntax (grammar),
pragmatics (social skills), and morphology (word order).
-
Fluency: How fluently, or smoothly, we speak.
-
Voice: How we use and maintain a healthy
voice.
In the school setting, SLP's are responsible for performing a variety of tasks:
evaluation and assessment, treatment (if student is eligible), teacher/parent
consult, screenings (quick, informal assessments when parents/teachers present
concerns), statements of progress, conferences, occasional hearing screenings,
and yearly IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings. The purpose of an IEP
meeting is to determine:
- the
strengths and deficits of the child
- proper
placement in programs
-
modifications necessary for academic and social success
-
statements regarding present level of performance, goals, and objectives
- amount
and locations of servicing to be provided
The Therapy Process
- Assess
and Evaluate: Determine areas of strength and weakness
-
Develop goals individualized for each child
-
Therapy:
-
develop sessions that target specific speech/language related skills
-
provide extended practice for generalization of skills
- work
up a hierarchy from easy to difficult
4.
Collect continuous data to assess growth/progress