Who is speech and language therapist

How can I find a speech and language therapist? See also. Factsheet — What is a communication aid? The earlier therapy begins, the more helpful it is. Language difficulties are usually lifelong, but skills can improve with the right support. Speech therapy may help some adults, too. Kids may get therapy in school for free as part of special education through an IEP.

Therapy can also happen in private settings. Here are some common skills SLPs work on:. Phonological awareness. To improve this early reading skill, SLPs might focus on rhyming and identifying sounds in words. Expressing more complex ideas. Building vocabulary. SLPs might help kids remember words by acting them out or using them to tell a story. Conversation skills. SLPs might role-play conversation and help kids pick up on social cues.

Parents and caregivers can help kids practice these exercises at home. This can make speech therapy even more effective. Knowledge of Welsh, Gaelic or community languages may be a requirement or an advantage in some parts of the UK. Competition for places on training programmes is strong and you'll need to show that you have an understanding of what an SLT does when you apply.

Try and arrange an observation session at your local speech and language therapy service. Relevant work experience, including voluntary work, is also useful. This can include working with children and adults with a learning disability, the elderly or disabled people, particularly those recovering from a stroke or head injury. Try contacting local nursing homes, schools or stroke groups to ask for work experience. Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

The majority of SLTs are employed by NHS trusts and work in hospitals on wards, in intensive care units and in outpatient departments , schools, clinics, community health centres and day care centres. Some mainstream work may be managed by local authorities. Specialist recruitment agencies such as Maxxima also handle vacancies. This database allows you to showcase your skills to potential clients.

You will need to complete a set of NQP goals, which will support your learning and practice in your first year of practice. You'll be responsible for your own professional development and must show that you're developing and keeping your professional knowledge up to date in order to remain on the HCPC register.

Other continuing professional development CPD activities include observation of other therapists' practice, reflective practice, peer review of performance, case discussion and video analysis. You can also join a clinical specialist interest group and attend or take part in national conferences and clinical meetings. There are also opportunities to undertake a higher degree, such as a postgraduate certificate, diploma or Masters, or a PhD by research.

Search for postgraduate courses in speech and language therapy. First posts are often within the NHS and involve working from one of several locations, such as health centres, hospital clinics or special schools. In your first year of practice you'll have a general caseload and will normally work with both adults and children.

You can also specialise in a particular client group, although it's possible to move between groups. Senior therapist positions exist in clinical specialisms, management, and research and teaching.

A typical career path will often involve increased management responsibilities, which can include supervising students on placement and junior staff. What do speech and language therapists do? Speech and language therapy salaries How to become an SLT How to find a speech and language therapist Where do speech and language therapists work? Who do speech and language therapists work with? Download our What is speech and language therapy? Related pages Regulation of the profession Become a speech and language therapist.

Speech and language therapy salary As a speech and language therapist, your salary will depend on: where you work your level of seniority demand for services type of employer Information on NHS pay scales can be found on the NHS health careers website. How to become an SLT Considering a career in speech and language therapy? You can also refer yourself to your local speech and language therapy service.

You do not have to wait for someone else to refer you. How to contact your local NHS Online directory. Independent speech and language therapists can usually offer an immediate appointment for assessment followed by therapy to suit the client. Some independent therapists offer specialisation in specific areas of communication difficulties, including:. Where do speech and language therapists work? Speech and language therapists work in the following settings:. Supporting adults with mental health conditions PDF Speech and language therapists play an important role supporting adults with mental health conditions.

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