Un logopeda (SLP), o terapeuta del habla, es un profesional del desarrollo y la terapia del habla y el lenguaje. Hay SLP que trabajan desde niños hasta ancianos. Algunos SLP trabajan en hospitales, clínicas y residencias de ancianos; otros, en escuelas, en casas de clientes y en consultas privadas.
Los logopedas tratan los trastornos del habla y del lenguaje, así como los trastornos bucomusculares y los trastornos de la alimentación. Un logopeda puede atender a pacientes con problemas de articulación, apraxia, lenguaje pragmático, dificultades de deglución, etc. La logopedia abarca una gran cantidad de trastornos, retrasos en el desarrollo y retos que afectan a una gran variedad de personas.
Se necesita mucha educación y habilidad para convertirse en un SLP. La mayoría de los SLP comienzan sus estudios durante sus programas de licenciatura a través de cursos de Ciencias y Trastornos de la Comunicación. La formación continúa con un programa de máster de dos años en Patología del Habla y el Lenguaje y un año de beca. Este competitivo campo requiere que los candidatos sean inteligentes, sociables, cariñosos y apasionados.
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists focus on helping children with health and development needs. Beginning speech therapy at a young age, particularly 0-5 years old, is critical for later language and speech development. Speech and Language development also effects many other developmental milestones within a child’s growth. Delayed speech can lead to educational delays, problem-solving, difficulty reading and struggling with social skills.
SLPs can play a multidisciplinary role, especially when working with young children and infants for treatment. Speech therapy can also include physical and occupational therapies, as well as special education practices for children with conditions like Autism and Down Syndrome. Speech therapists play a large role in child social development and interaction. Certain individual therapies, group therapy environments, and speech-language increases a child’s social development and awareness. Speech therapy can change many aspects of a child’s life.
A growing therapy location is through therapeutic day schools and therapy preschools. These programs allow for an increase of therapeutic sessions per child, social development, and a variety of therapy practices. Many of these programs are lead by experienced SLPs, with the support of Occupational Therapists and Developmental Therapists. Some programs intermix the therapy techniques to seamlessly transition therapeutic techniques into developmental playtime and activities. Other programs section off parts of the day to certain therapies and rotates through different services in small groups.
Speech therapy and SLPs are incredibly prevalent at therapeutic school programs and care facilities. The multidisciplinary nature of their field lends itself well to leading programs and activities to target each child’s individual needs in a social atmosphere. Speech-language therapeutic programs also allow children getting one-on-one therapy another means of development and challenge; many of which have seen exponential growth. SLPs, speech and developmental therapy, and therapeutic day programs truly go hand in hand when it comes to the success of child progress.
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