Why would my child need speech?

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. Specifically, SLPs working in the school setting work with children who's speech or language delays may cause difficulties in the school environment.

Communication Problems in the School Setting

• Speech sounds. Your child may have trouble saying certain sounds. He or she may not speak clearly and be difficult to understand.
• Language and literacy. Your child may have trouble understanding what he or she hears. Your child may not follow directions or answer questions well. It may be hard for your child to tell others about his or her thoughts. Your child may not say the correct words or say only short sentences. Language problems can also make reading and writing harder.
• Social communication. Your child may have trouble talking with other children. He or she may have difficulties making friends. Your child may not understand what others think or how they feel.
• Cognitive communication. These are the thinking skills your child needs to remember, solve problems, and use his or her imagination. Learning disabilities and brain damage can cause these types of problems.
• Feeding and swallowing. Feeding and swallowing problems can make it hard for your child to eat and drink enough during the day. This can make it hard to learn. It can also make social times, like lunch or snack, harder for your child.
• Stuttering. Your child may have trouble speaking smoothly. He or she may repeat sounds or words or have long pauses when talking. Stuttering can make it hard to answer questions or give speeches in class. It can also make it hard to talk to friends.
• Voice. Your child may sound hoarse or lose his or her voice. Your child may sound like he or she talks through his nose, called nasality. Your child's voice may be too loud or too soft. Voice problems can make it hard to talk in class or with friends.

Role of the SLP

The SLP will test your child’s speech and language skills and decide if your child needs treatment. Each school has a process to get services started. The SLP or others in the school will help you follow this process.

Your child may get speech and language services alone or in a small group. The SLP may go into your child’s classroom and work with his or her teacher. The SLP will work with your child on what he or she is learning in class. The goal of speech and language services is to help your child do well in school. The SLP will work as part of a team that makes sure that your child gets the services he or she needs.

Speech and language problems do not have to keep your child from doing well in school. SLPs can help.

The Profession of Speech-Language Pathology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/Students/Speech-Language-Pathology/Speech and Language

Services in Schools. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Speech-and-Language-Services-in-Schools/