What is a Speech Language Pathologist?

A speech language pathologist (SLP) plays an important role during a patient’s recovery from a variety of conditions. They work closely with the patient to establish a plan of care that meets their short- and long-term needs. Tyson Pate, CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist, Northern Nevada Medical Center Outpatient Therapies, explains more.

What does a speech language pathologist do?

A speech language pathologist (SLP) is a professional that helps a patient work on their speech, language, cognition and/or swallowing, dependent on their unique medical condition.

The first function of an SLP is speech, which is defined by our muscles’ ability to engage and form words correctly. The second function, language, is the ability to generate and use the correct words in conversation. Cognition is related to memory, executive function, which is a person’s ability to plan, manage time effectively, and reason, and ability to engage in conversations with focus. The swallow function of an SLP’s treatment plan is the actual act of swallowing, as some patients can lose the ability to swallow and are unable to take in adequate nutrients. An SLP can help a patient learn how to properly swallow again.

What kinds of conditions does a speech language pathologist treat?

An SLP is often an active part of a patient’s care team during recovery from conditions like traumatic brain injury, stroke, developmental disorders, Parkinson’s and ALS.

SLPs can often assist children if they are not forming or understanding conversation by an appropriate age, or if they experience oral motor concerns, including chewing and swallowing.

An SLP can also help a patient to improve their social-pragmatic language skills, which is a person’s ability to use language within a social setting. This includes their ability to maintain a topic, properly introduce themselves, and a variety of other things that are essential to interacting with others on a daily basis.

Why is speech language pathology an important part of a patient’s care plan?

Language is an important aspect of life. If you are unable to effectively communicate with others, it can be difficult to navigate daily activities with autonomy.

SLPs work with patients to refocus and re-engage in life by building skills and confidence in their ability to communicate. Whether the challenges in speech, language, cognition, or swallowing becomes evident during childhood or after the diagnosis of a condition, SLPs are an important part of a patient’s care plan to achieve a higher level of ability to understand and communicate with the world.

Learn more about SLP services at Northern Nevada Health System