Quick Facts, FAQ

& Resources

DID YOU KNOW?...

Approximately 1 million Americans suffer from aphasia.

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5% to 10% of Americans may have communication disorders.

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3 million+ Americans stutter.

By the first grade, roughly 5% of children have noticeable speech disorders.

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Nearly 7% of Americans have some form of language impairment.

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About 1 in 44 children

have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) affects 1 in 25 older adults & becomes more prevalent with age.

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About 1 in 6 (17%) children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with a developmental disability in 2009-2017.

(source)

FAQ

Is Speech-Language Pathology a specialty?

Yes! SLPs go through a rigorous educational program involving a Master's degree to become specialists in our field. SLPs are practioners trained to identify, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. Although SLPs cannot diagnose voice disorders, we are also specialized in the treatment necessary to rehabilitate function.

What kind of degree & certification does this specialty require?

In order to become a licensed and clinically certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), a Master's Degree (6 years of college) in Communication Sciences and Disorders is required. Certification is provided to those who qualify and apply through the national organization, ASHA. Licensure is provided through the state department of professional regulation.

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is an impairment of language affecting the production or comprehension of speech, as well as the ability to read or write. There are multiple different types of aphasia and they are all treated differently. Differential diagnosis is required to appropriately treat and improve one's expressive or receptive language needs. Aphasia occurs from brain injury (most commonly stroke), and is most common among adults. Aphasia can present several different ways. For example, aphasia can look like not making any sense when talking, difficulty understanding others, difficulty repeating others, or a combination of multiple.

What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder involving the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, or gastroesophageal junction. Consequences of dysphagia include malnutrition and dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, compromised general health, chronic lung disease, choking, and even death. (source)

What is language therapy?

Language therapy involves treating expressive communication (how a child expresses him/herself) or receptive communication (how a child understands information) deficits.

What is apraxia of speech (AOS)?

AOS is a neurological disorder that affects the brain's pathways involved in planning the sequence of movements involved in producing speech. The brain knows what it wants to say, but cannot properly plan and sequence the required speech sound movements. AOS can be present at birth (the causes are not well understood) or acquired from a brain injury (such as stroke), and impairs existing speech skills. (source)

Where do SLPs work?

SLPs can work in many different clinical settings. The most common place to find a SLP is in a school! SLPs can also be found in private practices, hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, universities, side-by-side with audiologists, and more! A clinically certified SLP is able to work in any of these settings with the same degree!

What is Dysarthria?

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that occurs when muscles used in speech become damaged, weakened, or paralyzed. Dysarthria is not an uncommon diagnosis among those diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions. There are multiple types of dysarthria, and can present as slowed or slurred speech.

Resources

one click away!

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

10 Tips to encourage your child's Speech and Language Development

My Little One Isn't Talking - Should I be Worried?

Speech Sound Development Norms Visual

10 Factors that Increase Risk of Aspiration Pneumonia

How to Make Pureed Foods Taste Good

Take the Guesswork out of Thickening Liquids

5 Easy Steps to Remember Names

Why Are Older Adults More Likely to Choke?

Alzheimer's Disease