Child Health Specialist Series: About the Work of a Speech-Language Pathologist

Child Health Specialist Interview Series: About the work of a Speech-Language Pathologist

Today’s Child Health Specialist interview features the wonderful Katie Yeh – the mum and Speech-Language Pathologist behind the fabulous blog, Playing With Words 365.

Please tell us a little about the work of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) (aka Speech-Language Therapist or SLT)
Speech-Language Pathologists are professionals who work with individuals with communication and swallowing disorders throughout the lifespan. We work in schools, hospitals, clinics, private practices and other government-run programs such as early intervention/early start. We give children a voice who otherwise would not have had one. It is an amazing career!

What qualification(s) do you hold?
In the US, SLPs must hold a Master’s degree in communication disorders and complete many hours of hands-on work within a graduate program in order to practice upon graduation. I personally have my Bachelors Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and a Masters Degree in Communication Disorders and hold the Certification of Clinical Competence (CCCs) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). In addition, I also hold a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as well as certifications in several speech pathology treatment methods such as the Hanen Centre’s It Takes Two to Talk and Target Word. I have taken many courses on specific treatment methodologies for disorders such as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Stuttering (specifically the Lidcombe Program). In addition to all this, I also hold a state license to practice speech-language pathology (in medical and clinical settings) and a credential to provide services in the public school setting. We are required to do a minimum of 10 hours a year of continuing education classes to stay up-to-date on best practices in our field.

What sorts of conditions or problems do you help children with?
SLPs/SLTs treat a wide variety of communication, swallowing and feeding issues in children including:

  • Delays in receptive language (what we understand)
  • Delays expressive language (what we say)
  • Delays or disorders in articulation and phonology (the actual sounds we say that make up words)
  • Disorders in motor speech skills (i.e. Apraxia or Dysarthria)
  • Oral motor skills
  • Communication skills in those with hearing loss
  • Disorders of fluency (i.e. stuttering)
  • Social/pragmatic skills (using language appropriately and for different functions)
  • Disorders in swallowing
  • Disorders in feeding
  • Disorders in voice and resonance

Could you walk us through a typical workday?
One of the best parts of being an SLP, in my opinion, is that your workday differs so much from day to day because no matter what setting you work in you are seeing different clients/students each day!

Though I’m currently working very little right now (I had a baby 8 months ago and have two others at home) here is a typical day when I’m working in my private practice:

  • Wake and get my children ready to go with their grandparents for the day.
  • While I have my morning coffee, I review my clients’ files and session notes from the previous week and plan/prep for today’s sessions. I’ll check email and make any important phone calls.
  • Pack up my car with everything I’ll need that day (including snacks!)
  • Drive to the homes of my clients’ and provide their therapy and parent consultation. A session typically begins with a little warm up activity, then my planned activities, followed by a consultation with parents/caregivers to review progress and assign weekly homework.
  • Sessions are usually an hour long so I can see 4-5 in one day
  • At the end of the day, I return home to review files, make notes, return emails, and make any phone calls.
  • My children arrive back home and I resume “just being mom.”

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I live for the days when my clients learn a new skill. Whether it’s asking for “help” for the first time, saying a new word, or finally producing a great /r/ sound…seeing a child’s face light up when they “get it” is priceless. But my favorite part is educating and empowering the parents I work with, because that education and empowerment helps them help their children everyday all day!

What advice would you give to someone looking for a Speech Therapist for his/her child?
First of all, in the US and many other countries, there are federally funded programs that offer speech and language services, so you’ll want to look into this. That said, there are many reasons for searching out an SLP outside of these programs (i.e. long waiting lists, not enough services offered, etc.). If you are going this route, here are some suggestions for you:

  • Ask your friends/fellow parents for recommendations. Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find an SLP
  • Look for an SLP who has experience with your child’s specific needs. This is important! SLPs are educated in all areas but you want an SLP with specific expertise in the area your child is struggling with.
  • If possible, see if you can have a short in-person consultation prior to the actual assessment/treatment. This can give you a good feel for the SLP to see if you would be a good team.
  • Ask the SLP for references and contact them

PWW Button Logo copyCan you tell us a little about your website/blog?
Children learn through PLAY and speech/language is no exception. They also are learning speech/language all day in everyday moments and routines. My blog, Playing With Words 365, is dedicated to teaching parents (and professionals) how to support young children’s speech & language development in these everyday moments and through PLAY. I share tips and strategies that can be used daily as well as activities and toy suggestions to support speech/language development. I also share therapy tips for my fellow SLPs, which I’ve been told parents enjoy reading as well. My most popular posts are in my How to Help Your Child Talk series and my Best Toys for Speech & Language Development series.

KatiePWW365Katie Yeh, M.A., CCC-SLP is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who blogs at Playing With Words 365 where she shares information about speech and language development, therapy ideas and tips, intervention strategies and a little about her family life too. She’s Mom to three kids ages 5, 3, and 8 months. She is passionate about educating, inspiring and empowering parents of children with all abilities. In addition to her own blog, Katie is a regular contributor to The Friendship Circle’s Special Needs blog.

Do you have any questions you would like to ask Katie about her work?