Speech

School-Based Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs):

Who are we, and what do we do?

School-based SLPs diagnose and/or treat a variety of disorders affecting speech, feeding, cognition, social skills, and communication. Some of the areas we work on in a school setting may include speech sound disorders, speech motor planning difficulties, phonological skills, listening and comprehension, social communication, feeding, fluency, and voice. A speech-language disorder is an impairment in the ability to communicate, understand a verbal message, retell a sequence from a story or familiar event, using appropriate social skills, and feeding/swallowing disorders. The goal of the School-based SLPs is to ensure that all students are using their speech, language, and communication skills appropriately across a variety of settings and communicative partners. SLP’s evaluate, assess and treat various aspects of speech and language. The SLP also helps students have a voice and communicate with an augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) system. Individualized Education Plan (IEPs) are developed, implemented and monitored for each student. Speech-Language Pathologists collaborate with teachers, families, and other professionals to support students in improving their overall communication skills.