Speech Pathologists work with children with speech, language and learning difficulties. This is important because children who experience these problems can miss crucial learning opportunities.
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What is Speech Pathology?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) treat various communication disorders, such as articulation and phonology disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, motor speech impairments, and swallowing disorders. They work with clients of all ages in various professional settings, including schools, hospitals, treatment facilities, private practice, and more.
Often, SLPs work with children to help them develop and practice language skills in their natural environment. In addition, they may provide aural rehabilitation and assist in finding alternative ways to communicate when traditional speech isn’t possible.
To become a Speech Therapist, you must earn a graduate degree from an accredited program and pass national certification and state licensure exams. You’ll also need to complete a clinical fellowship year to gain experience working in the field. To learn more, speak with a college admission counsellor. They can help you decide if earning a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology suits you.
Why should I see a Speech Pathologist?
If you or a loved one experience speech, language, articulation, or swallowing difficulties, it can significantly affect your quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to seek the advice of a qualified professional.
You should speak to your GP or child and family health nurse before making an appointment with a speech pathologist. They will be able to refer you to a suitable professional and may suggest that you write down your concerns to take with you.
Speech Pathologists work with people of all ages and can treat various disorders and conditions. However, they often specialise in certain age groups or areas of communication, such as children’s literacy, accent reduction or working with adults with voice issues. For professional KidSense speech therapist Adelaide services, check this out!
Some speech pathologists work in rehabilitation settings, helping clients re-learn how to speak after a stroke or brain injury. Others have private practices, treating children and adults with various communication and swallowing needs. Many speech pathologists are also highly trained in positive behaviour support.
What are the symptoms of a speech disorder?
Several different speech disorders can have varying symptoms. For example, a person might experience stuttering or have a hoarse, scratchy, or breathy voice. These conditions can be caused by brain damage, autism spectrum disorder or other diseases like tongue tie and cerebral palsy.
Other symptoms can include having difficulty producing certain sounds or syllables, having an unusual rhythm or rate of speaking and having trouble saying words in the correct order. In addition, some people experience a change in the quality or pitch of their voice, which neurological disorders like vocal fold nodules and polyps can cause.
A child’s speech development is monitored closely by healthcare professionals, and if they do not reach certain milestones, a speech-language pathologist should be consulted. Early treatment can significantly affect how a person with a speech impediment progresses. Stuttering is an obvious sign that a person should seek therapy, but there are other conditions, such as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), that should be treated as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome.
How can a Speech Pathologist help?
Speech pathologists help people with a range of problems that impact their speech’s clarity, rhythm, and volume. These include motor speech disorders such as stuttering and apraxia; cognitive-communication disorders, including autism spectrum disorder; and voice issues such as hoarseness or loss of breath.
They can also assist with other communication and swallowing difficulties related to hearing impairments, traumatic brain injury, dementia and developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Most speech-language pathologists agree that their work is meaningful, and they gain a lot of satisfaction from helping others. Marrs recalls a particularly satisfying moment when she taught a child with autism how to chew and swallow food that wasn’t pureed so that they could eat other meals.
If your child has a speech problem, speak to your GP or Child and Family Health Nurse. You may not need a referral to see a Speech Pathologist, but it’s always worth checking so your child doesn’t get further behind in their development. For professional KidSense speech therapist Adelaide services, check this out!
