What is an SLP and How can they Help?

Talk to any medical professional and they will tell you, they can’t go to a social gathering without being asked for their professional opinion. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is one of the those professionals. When I meet someone new, whether it be at a baby shower, church, or a school soccer game, I typically get asked the same 2 questions: “What’s a Speech-Language Pathologist?” and “My child does _______. Is that normal for their age?”

As an SLP, let me try to help answer some of your unanswered questions. First, “What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?” As defined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), SLP’s work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

​SLP’s work in various settings, including Schools, Private Practices, In Homes, Hospitals, Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinics, Skilled Nursing Facilities. Though the SLP Scope of Practice is vast, it is best to know your SLP’s area of expertise and specialties before consulting with them. One SLP may work with people with swallowing disorders and no longer work with children. Therefore, they may not be your go-to source on child language disorders.

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Now when it comes to the follow up question “My child does _______. Is that normal for their age?” This question is much trickier to answer without working with your child and evaluating them myself. However, there are some TIPS for parents, teachers, and other professionals that I would love to share with you if you have a concern about a child's development.

1. Read ASHA's new article Late Blooming or Language Problem?
2. Refer to our Resources Page for information regarding specific types of difficulties that a Speech-Language Pathologist may help prevent, assess, diagnose, or treat.
3. Contact Black Oak Therapy to receive a FREE copy of our Early Language Milestones and Speech Sound Development handouts. You will also receive monthly emails with Blog updates and more FREE resources as they become available.
4. If your child does not meet these speech and language milestones, or you have questions regarding other areas within the SLP scope of practice, consider consulting with a Speech-Language Pathologist to determine if an evaluation might be necessary.