Many of us take for granted our ability to speak, communicate, and swallow. But for those of us who experience any number of speech pathologies, we understand just how much it takes to communicate effectively. Did you know that there is an entire discipline called speech language pathology dedicated to helping people of all ages overcome speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders? Speech language pathology (SLP) focuses on preventing and treating common disorders that affect a person’s ability to communicate. Closing the Gap Healthcare employs SLPs in Ontario to treat clients who have difficulty swallowing and communicating. How much do you know about SLP?
Speech Language Pathology: The Basics
According to the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA), “Speech-language pathologists are skilled, autonomous professionals with specialized knowledge, skills, and clinical training in assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders. They hold a Master’s or Doctorate degree…and are regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO), which ensures that clinicians meet stringent professional and ethical standards.”
SLPs provide various services depending on their patients’ needs, from evaluation and identification to consultations and hands-on treatments. Oftentimes, your SLP will work with professionals in other fields to give you the best treatment possible, such as audiologists, physicians, social workers, teachers, and dietitians. SLPs are employed in hospitals, schools, private clinics, and can be available for in-home visits in the community.
What Sort of Pathologies Do SLPs Treat?
Speech language pathologists help people of all ages overcome the pathologies that are somehow preventing them from communicating at their maximum potential. There are many causes for speech-language or swallowing issues to occur, and not all of them are treated the same way. Some of the pathologies that SLPs help treat include:
Aphasia
Apraxia
Articulation problems
Autism
Cleft palate
Dysphagia
Learning disabilities
Parkinson’s
Stroke
Stuttering
Pathologies associated with brain injuries
Want to learn more about these disorders? Check out the OSLA website.
Why Is SLP So Important?
Everyone wants to be heard and understood. Speech language pathology is so important because it allows everyone with swallowing and congenital & acquired communication disorders to get the treatment they need to reach their full communication potential. Without SLP, many people would be left without the ability to share their ideas and personalities with the world. With the help of an SLP, someone with a speech-language or swallowing disorder will be able to fully express themselves.
