A speech therapist, also known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), is a licensed professional who can help your child develop better communication skills. A child can have difficulties with speech for any number of reasons, ranging from a developmental delay to a physical problem. A speech therapist can help identify the problem and propose a course of therapy to improve the child's communication skills.
To be licensed in the state of Florida, a speech pathologist must have a Master's or Doctoral Degree and have documentation of several hundred hours of supervised experience in the field. You can actually check whether a speech therapist is licensed by using the License Verification Page on the Department of Health's website.
A pediatrician is often the first person to suggest a screening by a speech therapist to determine if further therapy is required. For instance, if your child isn't meeting certain developmental milestones for communication, a screening might be recommended.
A speech therapist can work in private practice or in the public school system. A speech therapist might work on articulation with a child, if they have trouble making certain sounds, such as "Ls" or "Rs." A fluency disorder, such as stuttering, can also be addressed by a speech therapist. Resonance problems might sound like a voice trailing off or mumbling.
Special needs kids often attend a speech therapist because of a language delay. In that case, a therapist might use pictures to help a child communicate, or engage in a kind of play therapy, using toys and other props to encourage a child to use gestures, signs and/or words to connect with others. A speech therapist can suggest visual supports and exercises that parents can continue at home to further these skills.
Students in Leon County schools can qualify for speech therapy in the school system (pending an evaluation), but that service must be indicated on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A school speech pathologist will work with the child's classroom teacher to build an environment conducive to better communication. For instance, a picture schedule might be suggested. Pictures of classmates can be used to help a child learn names of friends.
Next: Part 2 - Paying for speech therapy
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