A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a highly-trained professional who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children and adults who have difficulty with speech, language or feeding difficulties. Although people often think of speech and language as the same thing, the terms actually mean different things. If your child has trouble with speech, he/she struggles with the “how-to” of talking which involves the coordination of the muscles and movements necessary to produce speech. For example, saying ‘poon’ for ‘spoon’, ‘wabbit’ for ‘rabbit’, or ‘nana’ for ‘banana’. If your child has trouble with language, he/she struggles with understanding what he/she hears or sees including difficulties following directions or understanding words like “under, in, on”. Your child may struggle to find the right words and/or organize those words in a meaningful way to communicate a message or hold a conversation. For example, saying ‘Me want eat’ instead of ‘I want to eat’.

An SLP also evaluates and treats children and adults who have difficulty feeding/swallowing food or liquid. An SLP will help identify what part of the feeding/swallowing process is making it difficult for your child to eat including chewing, manipulating food with their tongue, coordinating mouth and throat structures and muscles, or breathing appropriately while eating.