What a Speech-Language Pathologist Does

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess,  screen, identify, and diagnose students who have speech, language, fluency, voice, and swallowing disorders.  They collaborate with, and refer to, other health and educational professionals.  They also counsel those who have, or are at risk for, communication disorders.

Speech-Language Programming at Interlake School Division

The speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at Interlake School Division are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and devising program plans specific to each student who require additional support for their communications skills. We provide support to teachers, parents, and students in several environments, including in the classroom and in pull-out 1:1 therapy with a trained speech-language educational assistant. Emphasis is placed with Early Years students (Kindergarten – Grade 4).

 

Speech-Language Pathology Provides Support for Children with:

Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Fluency Disorders (Stuttering/Cluttering)
Hearing Issues
Language Delays & Disorders
Speech Delays & Disorders

Cleft lip and palate occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. It typically affects speech, language, voice, hearing, feeding, and related issues. There are also hidden cleft palates known as submucous cleft palates.

Stuttering is an interruption in the flow of speaking characterized by atypical rate, rhythm, and dysfluencies (e.g., repetitions of sounds, syllables, words, and phrases; sound prolongations; and blocks).  Cluttering involves speech that sounds rapid, unclear and/or disorganized.

Including effects of middle ear infections and conductive and sensorineural hearing loss on communication and learning.

Including comprehension and expression, limited vocabulary, poor grammar, mixed-up word order, & difficulty following directions.

Including articulation, phonology, and motor speech disorders, such as apraxia.  Sound production is the process by which sounds, syllables, and words are formed when your tongue, jaw, teeth, lips, and palate alter the air stream coming from the vocal folds.  

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Cognitive-Communication Disorders
Pragmatics/Social Communication
Pre-literacy & Literacy Skills
Swallowing & Feeding Disorders
Voice & Resonance Disorders

Including iPad with Proloquo2Go, BIGmack, and American Sign Language (ASL)

Including reasoning, problem-solving, and executive functioning. 

Including eye contact, body language, and conversation skills.

Phonological awareness (e.g., rhyming, sound identification, and sound blending)

Swallowing disorders, also called dysphasia, are difficulties with moving food or liquid from the mouth, throat, or esophagus to the stomach.  Feeding disorders include problems with sucking, eating from a spoon, chewing, or drinking from a cup.

Including hoarseness/harshness; strain; volume (too loud or soft); pitch (too high/too low); sounding stuffy/nasal sounding like they are talking through their nose.



Frequently Asked Questions



                 
   
        
How are children identified for Speech Language Services
 My child received speech-language therapy through the Regional Health Authority in preschool or a private SLP.  Will they automatically receive SLP services at school?
 My child is currently receiving private SLP services.  Can my child still receive SLP services at school?
 My 5-year-old cannot say the R sound?  Should I be concerned?
 
 My child is receiving school SLP services.  What can I do to help them at home?
 I have concerns about my school-aged child’s hearing.  They often ask for repetition, say “huh” a lot, turn up the volume on the TV, have frequent ear infections, and/or do not look when their name is called.  What can I do?
      
   
   
      
      

                            
    

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    Kindergarten Screening
    

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    Teacher communicates concerns to SLP 
    

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Parent/Guardian concerns should be directed to your child’s classroom teacher

                                 
                        
      

                            
It depends.  Children will receive a speech-language screening in the fall of school entry.  If they qualify for services, a referral will be recommended.


 

                                 
                        
      

                            
It depends.  The school SLP will observe your child and if they meet the school SLP criteria, a referral will be made.   

                                 
                        
      

                            
No.  There are ages at which certain speech sounds are expected to be developed.  Please see below.



                                 
                        
      

                            
Please see tips under “Home Activities.”

                                 
                        
      

                            
Speak with your doctor, pediatrician, or nurse practitioner, or go to the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) Audiology website posted below.  Families can self-refer. https://www.ierha.ca/programs-services/allied-health/hearing-audiology/

                                 
                        
      
  
   

              


RESOURCES: Home Activities



                 
   
        
Language
Speech
Stuttering/Dysfluency
Voice