Speech-Language Pathologist

Nine out of ten times when I tell someone my job title, they ask, “What is a Speech-Language Pathologist/Speech Therapist?” As the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (asha.org) states, Speech Patholgists “evaluate and diagnose speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders…treat speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.” We are trained to work in schools, hospitals, private practice, skilled nursing facilites, university settings, and research labs.

So why am I doing this? As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in the public schools, I have found myself numerous times searching for advice, intervention ideas, and communication with families and other professionals through the internet. Inevitably, I fail to come across a site where people can be real and feel comfortable discussing their issues about speech therapy.

My goal for this blog is to create an atmosphere where people (mostly geared toward parents) are free to ask and discuss speech and language disorders as they please - as it relates to their child, children they know, or even adults new to a diagnosis. I plan to consistently post ideas for the home to increase speech and language opportunities, help with issues at school, provide updates on pertinent research, and respond to all questions to the best of my ability.

A bit about my background: I have a Masters in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and also have my Certficate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. My special interest lies in autism and have been blessed to work with so many children on the spectrum. I truly love that aspect of the field and hope to one day open a holistic based, transdisciplinary autism intervention center. But for now, I want to continue working in the schools to develop more and more experiences to take into the next step of my career.

I’ll post my first topic soon and feel free to ask away! I’ll do my best to give you sound advice or point you to a great resource. I hope this page can provide an outlet, as well as a connection, for people who are experiencing similar situations. I’ve seen the greatest growth in children when families, friends, and professionals are equally involved in the intervention process.

Thanks for visiting!

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