Speech Language Therapy

This information was authored by:

Dana Sidwell O’Keefe M.S., CCC/SLP
Speech/Language Pathologist
P.O. Box 3456
Chapel Hill, NC  27515

(919) 368-6544

What Is It?

Language is a high level human skill that is important for learning, working, and enjoying fulfilling social relationships.  It can be expressed in a variety of different ways from speaking to sign language to the use of computerized devices.  Speech/Language Pathologists are specifically trained to assess speech and language development and to help people communicate effectively.

What is the difference between speech and language?

Speech is the process of articulation, or producing speech sounds that form words.  When children are young, it is typical to have certain types of speech substitutions like “wabbit” for rabbit, depending on the age of the child; however, if these substitutions persist as the child gets older, speech therapy can help to improve articulation.

Language is defined as a set of rules that we use when putting words together.  This includes (a) semantic information, or word meaning; (b) syntax, or word order; and, (c) pragmatic information, or the social component of language.  Language can be broken down into two separate components: receptive and expressive language.  Receptive language is listening and the “processing” of language.  It is the input or the understanding of language concepts and to a certain extent the ability to follow directions, identify objects and interact with other people.  Expressive language is the production of language through speech or alternative means including sign language, picture exchange, or electronic devices.  It is the output of language.

The Approach

Therapists incorporate specific speech and language goals into structured games or play with books, toys, or pictures to meet objectives.  Therapy can be clinician-directed or child-directed depending on the child.  Clinician-directed therapy is generally more appropriate for older children and involves a more direct, drill and imitation of speech or language stimuli.  Child-directed therapy involves “following the child’s lead” and is most appropriate with younger children.  With this type of therapy, the clinician must bring appropriate toys and materials to help elicit their target utterances, or speech sounds.

Whom Does It Help?

Speech/Language therapy can be helpful for children and infants of all ages as well as adults. The scope of practice for speech/language pathologists encompasses reading, speech articulation, all aspects of spoken and written language, areas affecting cognition, feeding, swallowing, voice, stuttering, augmentative and alternative communication, oral motor skills, and aural habilitation.   The frequency and type of speech therapy depends on the child’s age, his/her ability, and above all, the family’s flexibility and desire for services.

What to Expect

Evaluation:  An initial evaluation will be completed at the beginning of therapy to assess a child’s speech and language skills.  The assessment may include a standardized test, a parental checklist or an inventory of skills that involves parent report and clinician observation.  Toys, pictures, and manipulatives may be used to help elicit responses from the child.  Children should be re-evaluated annually to track progress and aid in the development of new goals for therapy.

Treatment Plan:  After the evaluation, the speech/language clinician generally writes an evaluation summary and, if therapy is recommended, a treatment plan.  A treatment plan is a list of objectives to guide therapy.  Parents should be encouraged to contribute to treatment plan goals if they have particular concerns about their child’s speech/language. 

Progress Summary:  Clinicians generally keep data on therapy for each session.  From these data, progress summaries are written to track the progress on the objectives outlined in the treatment plant.

IEP/IFSP:  An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is used within the public school system for children who qualify for speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, resource teachers etc.  IEP meetings generally occur at least one time per year during which progress on goals is noted and new goals are formulated.  An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is similar to an IEP but it applies to children under the age of three.  If a child qualifies for speech/language therapy treatment within the school, these services are paid for by the government.

Contact

Parents may find speech therapists or referrals from several different resources:

Public school systems, private practices, guidance counselors, pediatricians, teachers, or other professionals such as physical therapists, play therapists, and occupational therapists.  More specific information regarding speech/language pathology, therapy, and evaluation of speech/language disorders may be obtained on the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) website: www.asha.org.