Skills Addressed in Speech & Language Therapy

Communication skills addressed by speech-language pathologists include but are not limited to the following:

• Pre-linguistic interaction skills which are the foundation of communication such as joint attention, turn-taking, imitation, and play
• Understanding and using all forms of verbal and nonverbal language to communicate anything and everything, from the most basic human needs (hunger, pain, etc.) to the most complex thoughts and ideas
• Understanding and using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure to effectively communicate intended messages
• Using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and speech-generating devices (SGDs) which include both high-tech and low-tech text-based and symbol/picture-based options
• Articulation and phonological skills for improved speech clarity
• Phonemic awareness skills for improved decoding and encoding (reading and spelling)
• Voice production, including vocal quality, resonance (nasality), vocal loudness, & pitch
• Speech fluency, including stuttering and cluttering
• Social interaction and conversation skills
• Aural rehabilitation for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing

Feeding/swallowing skills addressed by speech-language pathologists include but are not limited to the following:

• Improving the safety and efficiency of oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing for diet expansion by…
  • Increasing ability to manipulate a variety of consistencies (both solids and liquids) by increasing oral awareness & control through improved strength and coordination of oral musculature
  • Identifying beneficial adaptive strategies such as diet modifications & positioning
  • Providing caregiver education and training related to typical development, target skills, and beneficial strategies for home carryover