Speech Therapy Syllabus
The Role of the Speech Pathologist: Assess,
diagnose, treat and help prevent speech, language, cognitive-communication,
voice, swallowing, fluency and other related disorders.
Speech disorders include:
• Articulation
disorders: difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words
incorrectly to the point that listeners can't understand what's being said.
• Fluency
disorders: problems such as stuttering, in which the flow of speech is interrupted
by abnormal stoppages, repetitions (st-st-stuttering), or prolonging sounds and
syllables (ssssstuttering).
• Resonance or
voice disorders: problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that
distract listeners from what's being said. These types of disorders may also
cause pain or discomfort for a child when speaking.
• Dysphagia: these include difficulties with drooling,
eating, and swallowing.
Language disorders can be either receptive or expressive:
• Receptive disorders: difficulties
understanding or processing language.
Expressive disorders: difficult putting words together, limited
vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.
Nature of the Work: A speech pathologist
works with a full range of communication disorders including the following:
- Evaluate and diagnose speech,
language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. A variety of
qualitative and quantitative assessment methods are utilized including
standardized tests, and other special instruments, in order to analyze and
diagnose the nature and extent of speech, language and other impairments.
- Treat speech, language,
cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all
levels, from infancy to the elderly, utilizing an individualized plan with
both long-term goals and short-term goals established for each
individual’s needs.
- Clinical services may be
provided individually or within groups, depending upon the work site and
individual’s diagnosis and needs.
·
Speech pathologists often work as part of a
“team”, which may include teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists,
social workers, rehabilitation counselors and others.
Speech
Expectations: My speech students should adhere to the
following rules during speech therapy sessions:
1.
Walk to and from speech at voice level 0.
2.
Come in and have a seat.
3.
Be kind to others.
4.
Take turns.
5.
Follow directions.
6.
Have fun.