Speech Therapy Syllabus

Speech Therapy Syllabus


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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.