For the Parents : Early Detection of Speech Issues

The process of your child or children beginning to make sounds and form words is an exciting time in your role as a parent.  We all know children progress at different rates and we often make the mistake of comparing our children to others, including their siblings, and begin to think something is wrong.  The American Speech-Language Hearing Association has years of experience dealing with these concerns and has come up with a set of signs that might indicate a speech issue in children that parents can use as well as some tips to help them develop. Check out the link provided to see theses signs and tips and pass them on to your fellow parents!!

Early Detection of Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders

What does a Speech Pathologist do?

According to, ASHA, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, "Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults" The ASHA website also includes this effective breakdown of what various careers exist within the field of speech pathology.

SLPs work with the full range of human communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages. SLPs:

•  Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
•  Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
•  Provide training and education to family/caregivers and other professionals. 
• Work collaboratively with professionals from many other disciplines. 

Additionally, SLPs may: 

•  Prepare future professionals in colleges and universities. 
• Own or run clinics or private practices. 
• Work for national, state, or local associations or agencies. Supervise and direct public school or clinical programs. 
• Engage in research to enhance knowledge about human communication processes and develop new assessment and treatment methods that may lead to more effective outcomes. 
• Provide counseling and consultative services. Train and supervise support personnel.

Source: ASHA. (2015). Speech-Language Pathologists: About Speech Language Pathology. Retrieved from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): http://www.asha.org/Students/Speech-Language-Pathologists/#careers

The Future of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology

About the Author

Briana Bivens was born on October 31st in Jackson, Tn and is a native of Bells, Tn in Crockett County. Briana currently resides in Bells, Tn with her fiance' and is planning to wed in April of 2017. After spending several years in the retail field, she took a career change and began running the daily operations at The Crockett County Times, a local newspaper based in Alamo, Tn and is still there presently. Briana is currently enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University and majoring in Healthcare Administration. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, decorating with homemade crafts, and baking.

A Brief Lesson In History: For Your Enjoyment

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