Celebrating Speech-Language Pathologists: Who We Are What We Do and Why It Matters Better Speech and Hearing Month

Celebrating Speech-Language Pathologists: Who We Are, What We Do, and Why It Matters Better Speech and Hearing Month Spotlight from Splatify Speech

 

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month—and here at Splatify Speech, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) across every setting, age, and specialty.

Whether you’ve worked with an SLP before or are just learning about what we do, this is the perfect time to explore the wide-reaching role of speech therapy—and the difference it can make in someone’s life.

What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Actually Do?

SLPs are communication and swallowing experts. We diagnose and treat a range of disorders related to:

  • Speech sounds

  • Language development

  • Voice

  • Fluency (stuttering)

  • Social communication

  • Cognition

  • Swallowing and feeding

And while many people associate SLPs with children learning to say their sounds (which we love!), speech-language pathologists also serve individuals across the entire lifespan, from newborns to seniors—and across a wide variety of environments.

Areas We Treat and Why They Matter

Here’s a closer look at the core areas SLPs support—and the lasting impact these services have:

1. Speech Sound Disorders

Helping children and adults produce sounds clearly and be understood.
Common concerns: lisps, sound substitutions, unintelligible speech.

Why it matters:
Clear speech builds confidence, reduces frustration, and supports literacy.

2. Language Delays and Disorders

This includes understanding spoken language and expressing thoughts clearly using age-appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

Why it matters:
Language drives learning, connection, reading, writing, and independence.

3. Fluency (Stuttering)

We support those who struggle with speech flow and ease, such as repetitions, blocks, or tension when speaking.

Why it matters:
Fluent speech can increase participation, reduce anxiety, and support self-expression.

4. Voice and Resonance Disorders

Voice therapy helps improve vocal quality, volume, pitch, and tone, including cases of vocal nodules, vocal fatigue, or gender-affirming voice training.

Why it matters:
Your voice is part of your identity—and your daily functioning.

5. Social Communication (Pragmatics)

We teach the nuances of conversation, nonverbal cues, and perspective-taking—especially vital for individuals with autism or ADHD.

Why it matters:
These skills shape relationships, academic success, and emotional well-being.

6. Feeding and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)

This is a key area for medical SLPs. We help infants, children, and adults safely eat and swallow.

This includes:

  • NICU babies learning to feed

  • Stroke survivors relearning how to swallow

  • Individuals with degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s managing dysphagia

  • Children with sensory-based or motor feeding challenges

Why it matters:
Swallowing is essential for nutrition, hydration, safety—and quality of life.

7. Cognitive-Communication Therapy

SLPs also support memory, attention, executive functioning, and problem-solving—especially following brain injuries, strokes, or in conditions like dementia.

Why it matters:
Communication and cognition are deeply connected. We help individuals live safely, independently, and meaningfully.

Where Do SLPs Work?

SLPs can be found in a wide range of settings, each with its own unique challenges and rewards:

  • Schools (preschool–high school)

  • Early intervention programs (ages birth–3)

  • Private practices

  • Hospitals & NICUs

  • Rehabilitation centers

  • Skilled nursing facilities

  • Home health

  • Telepractice/teletherapy

  • University clinics & research labs

Spotlight on Medical SLPs

Medical SLPs work with some of the most medically complex cases—from newborns in the NICU to seniors in memory care. These professionals often manage:

  • Swallowing assessments and modified diets

  • Communication devices for non-verbal patients

  • Ventilator or trach-dependent patients

  • Rehabilitation after stroke, brain injury, or surgery

  • Cognitive therapy for patients with dementia or TBI

They collaborate with doctors, nurses, dietitians, and physical/occupational therapists to ensure holistic care.

Stay tuned—our next blog post will take a deep dive into the world of medical SLPs, including the tools they use, the patients they treat, and how they help people regain their voice, safety, and dignity.

Celebrate the SLP in Your Life

Whether you’re an SLP yourself or know someone who is, Better Speech and Hearing Month is the perfect time to show appreciation.

At SplatifySpeech.com, we’ve launched a fun and functional SLP Collection featuring:

  • T-shirts, mugs, and totes with SLP humor and pride

  • Stickers, clipboards, and accessories perfect for therapy rooms

  • Printable materials and therapy tools created by an actual SLP (me!)

Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a coworker, you can shop the collection right here »

Let’s Spread the Word Together

SLPs don’t just teach sounds.
We support voices, restore communication, and improve lives.

Thank you for helping us raise awareness this month and every month.
Share this post, tag an SLP you love, and check back soon for more behind-the-scenes info on the life-changing work of medical speech-language pathologists.

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