Well it's our national research and credentialing association (see two posts below for more info). Each year they host a 3-4 day convention where speech-language pathologists (SLPs) gather from across the nation to learn all about the latest research and approaches of our field. There were around 14,000 SLPs in Denver this year and it was quite the event! While there were many fantastic classes I attended, it was the diversity of topics offered that I was so impressed with. Our field is so vast and many out there don't know all of the areas of speech-language pathology. This handout by Super Duper (http://www.superduperinc.com/handouts/pdf/162%20SLPs.pdf) is a great resource of information and also where I got the information below. Here are some of the different areas of SLP:
Speech Disorders
• Articulation - the way we say our speech sounds
• Phonology - the speech patterns we use
• Apraxia - difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed to make speech sounds
• Fluency - stuttering
• Voice - problems with the way the voice sounds, such as hoarseness
Language Disorders
• Receptive Language - difficulty understanding language
• Expressive Language - difficulty using language
• Pragmatic Language - social communication; the way we speak to each other
Other Disorders
• Deafness/Hearing Loss - loss of hearing; therapy includes developing lip-reading, speech,
and/or alternative communication systems
• Oral-Motor Disorders - weak tongue and/or lip muscles
• Swallowing/Feeding Disorders - difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
Pretty cool right? Well, I like to think so. :) We have an amazing field and I'm grateful to be a part of it. Ok, enough sappiness about my love of SLP, it's Friday everyone---go enjoy your weekend!
---Cassee
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