This is a very exciting time to be or work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) if you are interested in language and literacy development and disorder.
SLPs' roles and responsibilities have come a long way from the old days of articulation therapy. The American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has outlined our new role in the remediation of literacy disabilities such as dyslexia.
Learning About Literacy: SLPs Play Key Role in Reading, Writing
As a parent or someone with dyslexia, you shold know that SLPs are experts in oral language development, which as you have learned from this site serves as the foundation for learning to read, spell, and write. An SLP can be a great resource to you.
SLPs are trained in the following areas that affect learning to read, spell and write:
- oral language comprehension and use (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics)
- phonological processing, including phonemic awareness
- articulation (speech sound production)
- letter/sound knowledge
- word-finding difficulties
- emergent metalinguistic awareness
- narrative discourse
- short-term memory
With this knowledge-base, SLPs can
- Participate on prereferral child study teams
- Consult with parents, teachers, and other team members to help determine whether a full diagnostic assessment is warranted
- Evaluate and treat language-based learning disabilities
- Collaborate with other professionals in the design of effective intervention programs, including classroom modifications, accommodations, and supports
- Educate dyslexics, parents, teachers, and other professionals about the role of oral language in literacy development, language development across the lifespan, and ways to identify and treat behaviors.
To find a speech-language pathologist in your area contact your local school district or go to the www.asha.org website. Together you can begin to answer your questions and start the process toward success.