By Leslie Lindsay 

Author of SPEAKING OF APRAXIA reads from the first few pages of of the book, discusses how to find a speech-language pathologist (SLP). 

~APRAXA MONDAY|ALWAYS WITH A BOOK~

Spotlight: Does my child have apraxia of speech (CAS) 1/4? 

Years ago, as a new mom, I was so, so eager to hear those first, tender words from my first child. When they didn’t come, I worried. But then I thought, “kids develop at different rates, it’s no big deal.” When others–my mom-friends, the neighbors, the pediatrician–raised an eyebrow, I was even more worried. After all, Kate could hear and seemed to understand everything we said. So what was the problem? 

Here, I read a bit from the first few pages of SPEAKING OF APRAXIA (Woodbine House, 2020), which might help put things in perspective. 

 

#1 Amazon bestseller in communication disorders/special education

“So impressed with this awesome work! Every chapter was SO easy to get through and jam-packed with gold nuggets for parents and caregivers!”

Your next step, if you’re truly concerned about your child’s speech development, is to get an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). You do not necessarily need a referral from your doctor to take your child to an SLP (unless your insurance requires it or you want to see an SLP whom your pediatrician especially trusts and respects). You can find lists of SLPs on the ASHA website, and can search by keyword to include your state or your child’s suspected diagnosis. Worst case scenario: you go to the SLP only to hear nothing is wrong. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

WHAT’S AN SLP, ANYWAY? 

Simply put, the SLP is the key player in helping your child make progress with speech skills and a sounding board for you. He or she is also a professional with a master’s degree (some may have a PhD) with a background in communication disorders. SLPSs complete a practicum—usually a year in length—following their graduate program. SLPs are required to be licensed in the state in which they practice and must complete continuing education criteria to maintain their licensure. They are also accredited by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). They perform evaluations, deliver a diagnosis, carry out therapy, and recommend “homework” for you. They are also there to field questions and concerns and give you resources for additional information.

SLPs are the only professionals qualified to treat CAS. SLPs work hard with your child to model and support developmentally appropriate communication. It takes patience, persistence, humor, and creativity, along with organization and good interpersonal skills to be an effective child SLP. I list a qualities and qualifications to look for in your child’s SLP in chapter 3 of SPEAKING OF APRAXIA, so be sure to check that out. 

When we first started therapy, I sat in with Kate. I felt more confident and eager to replicate some of the techniques she was using in therapy. On the other hand, your child may be less likely to perform with you in the room; you might be a distraction. Doing what works best for you, your child, and your SLP is key. Remember, it’s a collaboration. 

Got questions or comments about the process? Give me a shout! Leave a comment. We’ll do what we can to help. 

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featuring Sunflower Speech Therapy  Dr. T’s Lola Koala Adventure Activity Kits,  The Sensory Studio and TalkYoga. 

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For more resources, Q&As, podcasts, more, see the SPEAKING OF APRAXIA page on this website.

ABOUT YOUR HOST/AUTHOR: 

Leslie Lindsay is the creator and host of the award-winning author interview series,“Always with a Book.” Since 2013, Leslie, named “one of the most influential book reviewers” by Jane Friedman, ranks in the top 1% of all GoodReads reviewers and has conducted over 700 warm, inquisitive conversations with authors as wide-ranging as Robert Kolker and Mary Kubica to Helen Phillips and Mary Beth Keane, making her website a go-to for book lovers world-wide. Her writing & photography have appeared in various print journals and online. She is the award-winning author of SPEAKING OF APRAXIA: A Parents’ Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speech. A former psychiatric R.N. at the Mayo Clinic, Leslie’s memoir, MODEL HOME: Motherhood, Madness, & Memory, is currently on submission with Catalyst Literary Management. Leslie resides in the Chicago area with her family.

 

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