What Is Speech-Language Therapy?

Speech-language therapy is the treatment for most kids with speech and/or language disorders. A speech disorder refers to a problem with the actual production of sounds, whereas a language disorder refers to a difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas.

Speech Disorders and Language Disorders

Speech disorders include the following problems, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

§ Articulation disorders include difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people can't understand what's being said.

§ Fluency disorders include problems such as stuttering, the condition in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, repetitions, or prolonging sounds and syllables.

§ Resonance or voice disorders include problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that distract listeners from what's being said.

§ Dysphagia/oral feeding disorders, including difficulties with eating and swallowing.

 Language disorders can be either receptive or expressive:

§ Receptive disorders refer to difficulties understanding or processing language. This type of disorder may affect a child a child’s comprehension of words, sentences, stories, or directions.

§ Expressive disorders include difficulty putting words together, limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way. This type of disorder may affect how a child uses words or sentences to express needs, ideas, or ability to tell stories.

Determining Eligibility for Speech/Language Impairment

Evaluation Procedures

Speech/Language Pathologists are required to implement traditional, professionally recognized standardized assessment instruments when evaluating students for determining if the student meets the TN state’s criteria for eligibility as speech or language impaired. Other informal measures of assessment may be utilized in the evaluation process. Information from the parents or legal guardian; general education classroom teacher; licensed audiologist and/or otolaryngologist (where applicable); and other appropriate professional personnel should be gathered as part of the evaluation process.

Eligibility

Once an evaluation has been completed, the SLP will meet with parents, educators, and appropriate others for an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P) meeting to determine eligibility based on results and input from team members. If a child is found eligible for services, the team will develop an individualized education plan to meet his/her needs. It is important to remember that as a part of the eligibility determination process, the team must decide if a student’s academic performance is adversely affected by speech and/or language deficits.

Further Information

An in-depth look at assessment of and eligibility standards for speech/language impairments can be found at the Tennessee Department of Education website: www.tennessee.gov/education/speced