What is a Speech Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists (SLP) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech language pathologists or speech therapists are responsible for identifying and treating children and/or adults who may need services in the following areas:

• Articulation
• Language (oral communication & comprehension of language)
• Communication Modalities (augmentative & alternative communication or assistive technologies which are used for communication purposes)
• Social communication (social skills)
• Hearing & it’s impact on a child’s speech/language skills
• Voice & Resonance 
• Fluency (stuttering or cluttering)
• Cognition (attention, memory, sequencing, problem-solving, executive functioning)
• Swallowing/Feeding

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is an intervention service that is provided by a speech language pathologist. Speech language pathologists work across a variety of settings which may include schools, clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing homes, etc. in order to provide children and/or adults with the skills required to communicate across all settings of their lives.  Speech therapy might look differently for you or your family member depending on the skills being targeted. Speech therapists work to address your concerns with expressive and receptive communication, language processing, articulation of sounds or words, and many other areas. A speech therapist can also provide you with strategies to help your child communicate, help you speak more fluently, expand your child’s communication abilities, or help your child or family member become a better social communication partner. 

Where can I find a speech-language pathologist? 

If you have concerns regarding your child’s communication skills or speech/language development or any concerns in the areas mentioned above, please contact your child’s doctor for a referral to a speech language pathologist. Ensuring that your child or family member receives a formal speech/language evaluation is the first step in the process! If you are located in the Chicago-land area, please feel free to contact me at lilianadiaz@bilingualspeechie.com for any questions or concerns.