A Day in the Life: SLP Edition
Speech Pathologists teach children words and sounds.
Speech Pathologists work in schools.
Speech Pathologists play games all day.
All of these are true! I’m writing this blog post with the hope that I am able to expand what you think of when you think of an SLP. Honestly, when I started my bachelor’s degree, I thought most of my days were going to look like the picture above—holding a letter, over-emphasizing a sound, and having a child sitting perfectly in front of me listening with the fullest of attention. Not to say this doesn’t happen sometimes, but I’m estimating that this happens maybe 5% of the time. And I’m ok with that! In our clinic, this is what the majority of my day consists of:
I am on the floor. I am playing with blocks but these blocks are definitely NOT blocks! They are horses and chickens on the farm making the silliest sounds that I am just hoping somewhat resemble the sounds that actual horses and chickens make but, my golly, I am GOING. FOR. IT. NEEEIGHHH!
On to the next hour…I am programming new words for a nonverbal child’s AAC. AAC stands for Alternative and Augmentative Communication. This could be an iPad or another electronic device that allows an individual to talk by pressing icons. This could also be using sign language to communicate. (We are totally team “baby sign”/team “teach the best modality for that unique human”!) Some individuals point to pictures to communicate. Often times, there is a communication modality that best fits the individual and it’s fun to help our clients discover what that is!
Next, we are playing hopscotch in the hallway because we know that BIG motor movements are a BIG help when making sure we are saying all syllables in the word “velociraptor”.
Feeding therapy is next. Whether we are making a castle out of the strongest lumber (pretzels), or creating the most beautiful ranch dressing painting, we are targeting feeding skills, decreasing sensitivity to unfamiliar foods, and building confidence in exploring new things!
So yes, at Grow with Words, we do work on sounds at the table. But we also work on:
Expressing/understanding language
Fluency and being comfortable with our rate of speech
AAC and communicating nonverbally
Social skills and connecting with others
Educating parents/caregivers how to best connect with your littles
Expanding food inventory
Reading skills
Cognitive skills/executive functioning/internal and external organization
And more!
If you’re interested in learning more about a certain topic whether you’re a parent, a professional, or an aspiring SLP, drop a question in the comments below. We’d love to chat!