What Does an SLP Do?

If your child has a suspected speech, language or feeding disorder, the speech-language pathologist (SLP) they see will play a crucial role in helping them overcome these issues. 

Check out our brief overview of the speech-therapy services an SLP offers that can make a difference in your child’s life. 

Provides a Comprehensive Assessment & Accurate Diagnosis 

An SLP uses standardized tests, observations, interviews and other assessment tools to gather information about your child’s communication skills, language development, articulation, fluency, voice quality and swallowing abilities. 

After reviewing this information, they identify the underlying causes of your child’s challenges and determine the correct treatment. 

Delivers Effective Treatment & Therapy 

An SLP will use a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs when working with them one-on-one, in a small group or in a classroom. This treatment plan may include a variety of therapy strategies, including: 

Articulation therapy—During age-appropriate play activities, the SLP will model correct sounds and syllables in words and sentences to help your child improve their articulation (sound production). This may include showing them how to move the tongue when pronouncing certain words. 

Language intervention activities—The SLP will engage the child using pictures, objects, books and other tools to promote language development through talking and play, including modeling correct vocabulary and grammar and using repetitive language-building exercises.   

Oral-motor/feeding and swallowing therapies—The SLP will employ various tongue, lip and jaw exercises to strengthen the mouth muscles used in eating, swallowing and drinking. They may have your child experiment with different food textures and temperatures to increase their oral awareness while eating and swallowing.  

Collaborates With Teachers & Parents 

An SLP at a school will partner with your child’s teacher to support their progress and success. The SLP will inform the teacher of your child’s speech and language goals and how the teacher can assist your child in reaching them. 

The SLP will also try to integrate the material covered in the classroom into your child’s speech therapy sessions when possible. 

In addition to keeping you informed of your child’s progress, your child’s SLP will encourage you to get involved in their treatment. They may ask you to help your child complete any at-home speech therapy activities the SLP assigns, ensuring they get more practice in developing proper language and speech skills.  

Looking for a caring, compassionate SLP to support your child’s growth? Request an appointment today!