SLP. Who?

If you are like me, you grew up oblivious to anything to do with the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Perhaps you discovered it because a friend’s kid now sees one for their speech, or maybe you know of someone who was hospitalized and received services from a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

Perhaps you are still living in the land of oblivion and that’s why you’re looking for more information.

I was still blissfully oblivious in my first year of university when a high school friend suddenly suffered a stroke. His ended up losing his ability to speak (Aphasia) and a wonderful in-patient SLP helped him through rehabilitation. And so, after an abrupt career change, significant confusion from my family, and some utterly convinced I was to become psychologist, I started to learn that the field of Speech-Language Pathology is much more vast than I ever had imagined.

Consider this first blog post a public service announcement to help you learn a little more about what we do and why we may be a great service provider for you.

What is an SLP?

A Speech-Language Pathologist is someone who specializes and holds a Master’s degree in everything related to speech, language, communication, voice, fluency (stuttering), cognitive communication (memory, executive function skills…etc.), and swallowing/eating. Essentially, it if has to do with eating, thinking or speaking… we can help!

To practice in Ontario, we have to be registered and be active members (in good standing) with the College of Audiologists Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

Who do we see?

Everyone! We are may be involved in helping individuals from birth to death.

• We may see children from 0-3 not for their speech per se, but for their swallowing/feeding or for early language development

• Children older than 3 may need services for their:

  • Speech sounds (ex. a child who says “think” for “sink” or “tootie” for “cookie”)

  • Grammar in language production (think of little Timmy who says the “dog goeded to the park”)

  • Understanding of language such as directions, expectations, or specific vocabulary

  • Production of language. At age 3 your child should be able to put 3 word phrases together.

  • Fluency or stuttering that is not developmental.

  • Voice. If your child’s voice sounds unusual. Some examples could be if they sound raspy or like they can’t catch their breath when talking.

  • Eating/swallowing. If your child coughs every time they drink or eat, have difficulties eating certain foods…etc.

  • Social communication for help with conversation, making friends, understanding other’s perspectives…etc.

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. Children who are non-speaking or who have limited oral speech may need another way to communicate to support their development of expressive language.

• Adults may need support with all of the above services too!

  • Services for adults focus on rehabilitation rather than habilitation (learning something or the first time). This can be due to a stoke, brain injury, degenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s or other conditions.

  • Adults may also seek out an SLP for:

    • Voice fatigue or changes in the quality of their voice

    • Gender Affirming Voice Services

    • Support with pronunciation due to an accent

    • Word finding difficulties

    • Symptoms from a disorder that affects memory, executive function skills (planning, completing tasks, organization of thoughts), or visual spatial skills

Where can I find an SLP?

SLPs usually work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, Montessori schools, private practices…etc. I’m probably missing some places here, so if you’re an SLP, feel free to leave a comment of where you work!

If you are looking for an SLP, Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) has a great register of all active practitioners in your area. I’ll drop the link below.

https://member-membre.sac-oac.ca/search/custom.asp?id=7109

Anyhow, not every SLP that you meet will have expertise in all the areas listed above. Every one of us has our own area of interest and unique experiences. If you are looking for a particular service, always ask your clinician if its something they can support you with. Afterall, we are here for you and your needs.

For more on services at Incredible Speech & Co. and to see if we are a good fit for you, contact us at info@incrediblespeech.com or book a Free 15 consultation through our website.