Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in a school

Rehabilitation careers standard 7) Gather information on the history and development of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and athletic training, including but not limited to significant changes in the profession, major contributors to the field, and impactful practices that were developed. Document findings from print and digital professional journals, rehabilitation career related websites, and textbooks in an oral, visual, digital, or paper product with proper citations.

History of SLPs The history of SLPs is divided, chronologically into four periods, with each being characterized by what was a major focus during those years. The first part is called the Formative Years because it deals with the early part of the 20th century when the scientific, academic, and practice seeds of the profession were planted. It was 1900-1944

History of SLPs Next is The Processing Period from 1945 to 1965, during which time many assessment and therapy approaches were developed to improve internal psychological processing underlying communication disorders.

History of SLPs A third period, beginning around 1965 and lasting until 1975, was the Linguistic Era, during which time we came to treat language disorders as separable from speech disorders and as being linguistic in nature.

History of SLPs This rendition of the 20th century ends with The Pragmatics Revolution lasting from 1975 to 2000, when we reconsidered and reframed practices to include communicative, linguistic, cultural, and everyday-life contexts.

How important is communication? Good communication skills lead to success in… Reading Listening Writing Speaking LEARNING! Bad communication skills lead to problems with… Understanding & participating in classroom instruction Developing & maintaining relationships

A.k.a. “speech therapists” or “speech Teachers”… (or “that speech person”) Work with children who have communication problems that affect success in… Classroom activities Literacy Learning Social interaction

What Types of disabilities/disorders do SLP’s work with? Language Pragmatic Language Articulation/Phonological Voice Fluency Auditory Processing and Comprehension Hearing Impairment Oral-Motor Swallowing/Feeding (a.k.a. Dysphagia)

What is a language disorder? Language disabilities include the slow development of… Semantics (vocab) Syntax (grammar) Concepts Pragmatic (social) language disabilities include… Inability to use different communication styles in different situations Overall… Child has poor building blocks for understanding/expressing ideas, social development, learning, reading, and writing

What is an Articulation/Phonological Disorder? Substituting one sound for another (i.e. /w/ for /r/) Omitting a sound in a word (i.e. “top” for “stop” Distorting a sound (i.e. “thee” for “see”) Children have difficulty producing speech sounds

What is a voice disorder? SLPs also refer some children to the ENT(ear, nose, and throat doctor) to rule out any growths that can appear on the vocal chords from prolonged vocal abuse Speech that is… Too high, low, or monotonous in pitch Interrupted by breaks Too loud or soft in volume Harsh, hoarse, breathy, or nasal Children who have prolonged vocal issues come to therapy to learn how to use their voice properly, without mistreating it

What is a fluency disorder? A.K.A. “stuttering” Defined by… Interruptions in the flow or rhythm of speech Possible hesitations, repetitions, or prolongations Can affect individual sounds, syllables, words, and/or phrases **Side note: Identify as a “child who stutters” NOT “a stutterer”

What is an Auditory Processing/Comprehension disorder? Comprehension disorders are characterized by… Difficulty with word meaning, sequencing skills, and problem solving Auditory processing disorders are characterized by… Difficulty distinguishing and discriminating speech sounds Overall… Children with either of these disorders have difficulty understanding (receiving) spoken/written (expressive) language

How does an SLP help a child with a hearing impairment? “Aural Rehabilitation” includes… Lip reading skills Articulation and voice therapy SLPs in the schools also… Perform hearing screenings Check hearing aids & other hearing devices Work with the classroom teacher to develop strategies to maximize the child’s classroom performance

What does it mean when a child has oral-Motor issues? Apraxia of speech or Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Children demonstrate difficulties coordinating the movement of structures in the mouth during speech Problem is due to the inability to form a coordinated “movement plan” to produce speech Weak tongue and/or lip muscles can decrease the clarity of speech Treatment includes… Muscle strengthening and coordination activities Structured, repetitious practice of movements required to produce accurate speech

What is dysphagia? Child will demonstrate difficulty with… Sucking Chewing Triggering a swallow Moving food into the stomach Can interfere with… Eating snack and lunch Opportunities to build friendships Social and communication skills Learning SLPs will help by… Setting up a feeding program that indicates the foods that are appropriate vs. inappropriate Teaching techniques that help the child eat safely Modify the texture of foods Reposition the body

What can speech & langUAge disorders be associated with? Hearing loss Cleft palate Learning disabilities Cerebral palsy or other motor problems/disorders Autism Spectrum Disorders Developmental delays Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Variety of emotional, behavioral, and/or medical issues

What are some signs that may indicate a child has a communication disorder? Below expectations in the classroom Difficulty learning to read or write Late talker Inability to express thoughts, ideas, wants, and/or needs Problems understanding others Difficulty following directions Issues getting along with others Problems taking tests