A speech therapist, also known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), is a professional trained to treat speech-language and communication disorders. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), SLPs "have integral roles in education and are essential members of school faculties."
They work with students from pre-K all the way through high school, as well as the underserved. SLPs address a wide range of communication disorders, including those affecting language, speech, articulation, fluency, voice, resonance, and swallowing.
What does an SLP do?
SLPs determine if communication-related disorders adversely affect students in their education and learning abilities. This includes evaluating all needs that could interfere with students achieving their educational goals: academic, emotional, personal, social, and vocational.
SLPs contribute to students' literacy achievement by assessing and treating communication and language processes encompassing listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Upon determining the student's specific needs, the SLP designs and implements an appropriate treatment plan.
Other services provided by SLPs include:
- Assessments to identify communication disorders and to determine correct instruction and intervention
- Age-appropriate intervention to meet learning needs
- Input regarding program design consistent with a continuum of service delivery models in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
- Data-based decision making
- Compliance with federal and state mandates, including each student's individualized education program (IEP) development
Finally, SLPs collaborate with all involved parties to fully meet the needs of affected students. These parties include the students themselves, their parents, other school professionals, agencies within the community, and representatives of universities as older students transition beyond high school. In addition, SLPs demonstrate leadership in roles such as advocacy, supervision and mentorship, professional development, parent training, and research-based best practices.
An individual who often works alongside an SLP is a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). While an SLPA is also referred to as a speech therapist and works with students on speech-language and communication using various tools, the SLPA does so under the supervision of an SLP. The SLPA does not have the education, training, or legal authority to diagnose or treat communication disorders.
Education and training requirements
An individual who works as an SLP typically follows an education path that requires earning a bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication science and disorders. The program normally encompasses courses in speech-language disorders, phonetics, audiology, and similar courses.
Part of the graduate requirement includes the candidate completing clinical training, known as a practicum, with a licensed SLP to acquire hands-on experience and to apply acquired course knowledge. This practicum or clinical can vary from 300 to 400 hours, depending on a specific state's requirements. States also have various licensing and certification requirements for an SLP to acquire before practicing in the state. After fulfilling all education and training requirements, graduates can apply with ASHA to acquire their Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). This credential can then be used in professional settings and correspondence.
An individual who works as an SLPA typically earns, at minimum, an associate degree in education with a specialty in speech-language, with courses focused on speech-language and communication disorders, phonetics, audiology, and similar topics.
To be ASHA-certified and hold the credential, C-SLPA, an SLPA candidate must complete one of three pathways. This may be (1) an associate degree in an SLPA program; (2) a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders; or (3) an SLPA certificate program in addition to an associate's or bachelor's degree in another field.
The first two options also require completion of designated prerequisite courses as well as additional clinical fieldwork. Those candidates who choose the third option must also complete online SLPA education modules, along with the prerequisite courses and clinical fieldwork. In all cases, the clinical fieldwork is comprised of 100 hours divided into 80 hours of direct services and 20 hours of indirect services, all under an ASHA-certified SLP's supervision.
Parental expectations of speech therapists
Parents obviously need to know what they can expect from speech therapists who work with their children. In fact, parents are often the key to success for children with speech-language and communication disorders. Parents are an integral part of the teamwork that should exist between them and the speech therapists.
Two SLPs, Kyrsten Theodotou, and Toby Stephen, confirmed this truth about the essential role of parents:
Kyrsten Theodotou (MA, CCC-SLP) remarked, "Seasoned SLPs will tell you that the patients who make the fastest progress are those with families who are involved and supportive. The trick, though, is how to foster that supportive attitude and marshal family members – from parents to siblings – for the best possible outcomes."
Toby Stephen (MA, CCC-SLP) likewise stated, “A good therapist realizes that, because the time he/she spends with the child is limited and because parents are so important in a child’s life, parents need to be involved in the intervention and play a major role."
Speech therapists conduct therapy sessions with children using various tools, games, books, and other objects, as well as through exercises wherein the SLP models correct articulation, sounds, syllables, and vocabulary. While these sessions are important, parents can help extend and reinforce the therapy by actively engaging with their children at home.
Theodotou invites parents to observe and participate in speech therapy sessions. By doing so, parents learn how to practice specific skills with their children at home prior to the next session. Theodotou also discusses home habits, such as mealtime and bedtime routines, to uncover any barriers to success for the children.
Similarly, Stephen emphasizes the team aspect of speech therapists and parents by using "we" language when discussing the children and their sessions. He said this is an effective strategy because it "draws the parent into the team framework and deepens the sense of relationship."
Theodotou concurs about the importance of building emotional connections with parents through empathy. She engages parents by listening to their concerns, encouraging them along the way, and keeping the lines of communication open.
Parents can also be part of their children's success by completing the assignments or exercises given by the speech therapists and making those practices a part of the family's normal daily routine. As Theodotou explained, "You may have goals for the kid, and the family may not be at those goals yet. So it’s really being a team member with the family and letting them be a part of their child’s planning…and getting families to the point where you want them to be."
And when that occurs, Theodotou concluded, “The parents see, ‘oh, they can do this’…it’s those little moments that make it the most rewarding.”
Conclusion
A speech therapist plays a vital role in helping children reduce or overcome various speech and language delays, disorders, and communication disabilities. Whether as SLPs or SLPAs, speech therapists follow designated education and training paths that qualify them to assist children (as well as adults) with developing language skills that will help them communicate with others around them.
Parents also play an essential role in supporting speech therapists in their efforts. Parents can extend and reinforce therapeutic measures the children receive during speech therapy sessions through various exercises they practice at home. By doing so, parents definitely contribute to the success their children achieve in developing their language and communication skills.
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