What is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)?
An SLP is a licensed professional trained to evaluate and treat individuals with mild to moderate speech and language delays.
“SPEECH” refers to one’s production of sounds and how these sounds are made in the mouth. Difficulties with Articulation (production of speech sounds), phonology (speech patterns), apraxia (planning and coordinating speech sound movements), fluency (flow of speech production), and voice (vocal sound) can all be classified under “speech” disorders.
“LANGUAGE” refers to one’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write. Language also refers to body language or one’s ability to transfer information and emotions/feelings by gestures, sign language, facial expressions, etc. There are three types of language: Expressive, Receptive, and Pragmatic. Expressive Language is what one verbally communicates. Receptive Language is what one understands. Pragmatic Language is how one socially communicates. A language disorder can include delays in any one or all three of these areas.
Other areas a SLP may treat include: swallowing disorders also known as dysphagia which refers to difficulties with any stages of swallowing. Deaf and Hard of Hearing/hearing, and Oral Motor disorders which refers to difficulties (weakness, decrease range of motion, etc.) with the articulators (lips, tongue, jaw, etc.)
