What does “SLP” mean anyway?
Heard the acronym “SLP” before but not sure what it is?
That you’ve found yourself on this website, SpeechAndFeedingSolutions.com, means you may already know a bit about Speech Pathology or Speech Therapy (terms often used interchangeably). Or at least you’re actively searching for it. But did you know just how much Speech Language Pathologists - or SLPs for short- really know? Most people I encounter in my day-to-day work inevitably remark at some point, “I had NO IDEA SLPs did all this!” We do! And some of us are pretty darn good at it.
Speech Language Pathologists are experts in way more areas than you think. We know quite a lot across quite a few different areas. From the brain to the mouth to the throat to the ears…you name it, we know a little about it. Many moons ago, we started out studying the act of speech delivery. Remember the movie The King’s Speech? An SLP favorite to be sure (and Oscar winner, for what it’s worth..) because it gives a glimpse into how we got our start. Oh, and of course, the immeasurable benefit we can provide those who truly need our service.
After expanding from speech delivery to speech disorders, it was decided that SLPs were the most sensical practitioner to be addressing language disorders too. Then, given how much we knew about the principles of learning (habilitation), RE-learning after injury (RE-habilitation) and general neuroplasticity, we also took over addressing cognitive functions too. Finally, and perhaps most recently, feeding and swallowing became our domain as well, because after all, who knew more about the mouth and throat AND the rehabilitation of those parts than us?
Not every SLP knows all of these areas. Some SLPs are experts at correcting speech sound disorders in children. Others are specialists in teaching infants and toddlers how to learn fundamental language skills in the first place. Some even specialize in deaf and hard of hearing issues. I got my start in acute care, so I’m well versed in feeding and swallowing impairments and disorders. But my specific interests in adult speech/language/cognition, voice, and public speaking led me on a long career journey dedicated to honing these particular skills so that I could provide the kind of care that sparked my passions and capitalized on my expertise.
If you’re interested in learning more about the multitude of things SLPs do, check out www.whatsslp.com for detailed descriptions and animations. If you’re interested in me personally, or the services provided at Speech And Feeding Solutions, drop me an e-mail.
Until next time…
