Your School Speech-Language Pathologist

1. Your School Speech-Language Pathologist We have ways to make you talk!

2. Speech and Language? • Speech refers to the mechanics of speech production: • A biomechanical system • Breath support • Phonation…ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh • Mechanics of articulation • Tongue, soft palate, lips • High-speed coordination of movements required • Fluency/stuttering • Voice problems • vocal nodules

3. Language • Where to start? • Semantics • Pragmatics • Syntax • Phonology • Morphology

4. What is language? • Language: a rule driven, socially agreed upon system for exchanging thoughts and ideas. • Relies on conventions such as common vocabulary, pronunciations, social behaviors, grammar • Cultural and regional variations

5. Semantics • Vocabulary • Lexicon • Jargon • Categories • Figurative Language • Whole-part relationships • Synonyms • Antonyms

6. Pragmatics • What is the purpose or function of your communication? • Persuade • Socialize • Argue • Non-verbal communication…most of our communication is non-verbal • Tone of voice, facial expression, proxemics • Suprasegmentals: inflection, loudness, pauses

7. Syntax • Grammar • Word ordering rules • Linguists study this stuff in depth • Diagramming sentences

8. Phonology • Using sounds in sequence to make words • Not the same as articulation • Rules • We mark a plural word with an S if the sound preceding is not voiced (cats) • We mark a plural word with a Z if the sound preceding is voiced (dogs)

9. Delayed acquisition of phonological skills in children • Results in reduced intelligibility • Phonology refers to a rule set for use of sounds to make words. • Contrastive use of sounds: using a different sound creates different meaning (cat/mat) • Consonant cluster reduction (tar for star) • Doe det in the tar (D for G and T for K substitutions = the phonological process of fronting) • Voicing errors: Z for S; T for D

10. Morphology:the study of word meanings • A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning • Free and bound morphemes • Free morphemes can stand alone (car, hat, flower) • Bound morphemes can only stand alongside another word • Change the meaning of the base word form • Suffixes and prefixes • Plural markers • Past tense markers • Possessive forms • Present progressive ING • http://www.buzzin.net/english/morphol.htm

11. SLP Job description • Provide speech and language services in the school setting • Evaluate for initial identification as speech and language impaired and for 3 year re-evaluations • Write sections of IEPs pertaining to speech services • Consultation to teachers and staff • Counseling parents (e.g. of children who stutter) • Provide direct therapy • Supervise assistant • Documentation for medicaid, social security

12. Training to be an SLP • BS in Communication Disorders • MS in Communication Disorders • Clinical Fellowship Year supervised by a certified SLP • Pass board exam • Credentialing by American Speech and Hearing Association • Certificate of Clinical Competence • CCC-SLP

13. Specialization within the field of Speech and Language Pathology • AAC – augmentative and alternative communication • High Tech: • Voice output communication devices • Eye gaze technology • Computer-based communication systems • Low tech: • Picture communication systems • PECS

14. Specialization within the field of Speech and Language Pathology • Stuttering • Neurogenic speech and language disorders • Gerontology • Feeding and Swallowing: dysphagia • Written language disorders • Speech and hearing science • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Hearing/aural rehabilitation

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