I.  What is a speech-language pathologist?  An SLP is a specialist that diagnoses and treats communication disorders (see below).  They hold a Master's degree from a university with a speech-language/communication disorders program.  Their services are available through schools, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.

II.  What are speech-language delays/impairments?  They are difficulties understanding or expressing thoughts.  The following are some types of speech-language impairments and their causes:           

             A.  Stuttering (Fluency Impairment)-when an individual gets

                  "stuck" on a sound, syllable, word, or phrase so that the

                  flow of speech is interrupted.      

                  Cause(s):  The exact cause is unknown.  Some factors

                  that may be involved are problems in the nervous 

                  system, biological defects, emotional difficulties, or

                  learning problems.

            B.  Voice Impairment-involves speaking with an abnormal pitch, tone, or volume.

                 Cause(s):  May include abuse to vocal cords (e.g., yelling

                 or  clearing throat too much), inflammation of or growths

                 on the vocal cords, or emotional problems.

           C.  Articulation Impairment-involves problems in making the

                correct speech sounds.

                Cause(s):  May be due to physical problems (e.g., hearing

                loss, cleft palate, paralysis, muscular weakness), not

                learning particular sounds, or the cause may be unknown.

           D.  Aphasia-the loss of the ability to use or understand words.

                Cause(s):  Brain damage from such events as a stroke or  head injury.

           E.  Dysarthria-involves difficulty forming speech sounds due to

                muscular impairment.    

                Cause(s):  Damage to the nervous system, as from a 

                stroke or a disorder (e.g., cerebral palsy).

III.  Why should we be concerned about speech-language delays/impairments?

Concern is warranted because communication is necessary for a normal, happy life.  When problems develop, they can affect learning, independence, relationships, and well being.  Early treatment is the key to preventing a speech and/or language impairment from turning into a lifelong disability!

IV.  What can I do as a parent to improve my child's communication skills?

A.  Talk to your child a lot.

B.  Keep words and sentence length at your child's level.

C.  Listen when your child talks.

D.  Read to your child every day.

E.  Be patient and sympathetic.

F.  Do not interrupt or try to finish their sentences.

G.  If they have trouble understanding spoken language, speak slowly and clearly, using

      gestures if necessary.  

H.  Try to limit distractions.