 | Alisha Young is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. She majored in Communication and Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kansas and then received her masters degree in Speech-Langauge Pathology from Rockhurst University. She has been a speech-language pathologist for three years in the Pittsburg area.
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Speech Pathology
2013-01-02 15:48:14
What should I expect from speech pathology
Q-If my child is referred to a speech-language pathologist (speech therapist), what would an evaluation entail?
A-There are several different reasons a child or adult may benefit from speech therapy. When a child or adult is experiencing difficulty understanding or using language, correctly producing speech sounds, feeding or swallowing difficulties, voice problems, or demonstrating stuttering characteristics a speech-language pathologist (speech therapist) may be consulted. A speech therapist will perform an evaluation to diagnose the problem and design treatment procedures in an effort to improve functional ability.
Your first step is to acquire orders from your physician for a speech therapy evaluation. Then, select an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist for early identification and treatment. After the appointment has been set up the therapy office staff will typically mail out information forms for you to complete prior to the evaluation
The next step is the evaluation. At the start of the evaluation the speech therapist will typically take a few minutes to establish rapport with your child to help him or her to feel comfortable during the evaluation. A case history will be obtained in order to determine various developmental milestones the child has reached thus far. From that it will be determined what kind of evaluation will take place, whether speech, language or feeding difficulties.
Informal play routines designed to encourage interaction with the examiner and elicit language from the child are an important part of the evaluation. A language sample may also be obtained during these interactions. An oral motor examination is also performed during most evaluations to determine if oral structures and function are within normal limits.
For a speech evaluation, the child’s development of sounds will be determined and whether or not they are age appropriate.
A language evaluation might include the assessment of a child’s ability to understand and express language.
Expressive Language is verbal and written expression which may be with the use of words, sentences and writing to convey meaning and message to others. Depending on the child’s age the following may be assessed within your child’s expressive language:
* Label objects in the environment
* Describe actions and events
* Put words together, use grammar correctly (e.g. “I had a drink” not “me drinked”)
* Ability to retell a story
* Answer questions appropriately
* Write a short story.
Receptive Language is the comprehension of language and the ability to process language – listening and understanding what is being said. Comprehension of language begins at infancy, a sign of comprehension of speech is a simple smile from your baby. It is never too early to assess the development of your child. Here are a few concepts that may be assessed:
* Understands spatial concepts (above, beside, between)
* Understands size and quantity
* Understands use of objects
* Identifies familiar objects
* Understands verbal in context
* Follows commands
* Understands pronouns
Feeding and/or swallowing difficulties may occur as early as birth. Adults may also have swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious complications. Various reasons for a feeding assessment with a child may include:
* reflux with vomiting
* behavior/aversive reactions to food
* poor intake of food
* respiratory symptoms and cough
* sensory/texture issues
* oral-motor coordination and difficulties
* swallowing difficulties
* choking
* possible aspiration
