Speech and language therapists (SLTs) work closely with infants, children and adults who have various levels of speech, language and communication problems. They may also specialise in other areas such as swallowing and eating problems. Therapists assess the clients’ needs before developing individual treatment programmes to enable each client to maximise improvement. Treatment plans often involve those with whom the client has a close relationship, for example family, carers or teachers.
SLTs usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team along with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They may also liaise with professionals in education and the social services.
The normal working practice for a SLT includes using oral and written tests to diagnose the patient and devising a treatment plan. It is also likely that the SLT will coach parents and carers on how to support the patient. Repetition, rhymes and sign language are often methods used to develop communication skills. It is also important to monitor the patient’s progress very closely to ensure progress is being made.
Typical work activities include
- Identifying children’s developmental speech and communication difficulties/disorders
- Assessing and treating swallowing and communication difficulties arising from a variety of causes, e.g. congenital problems (such as cleft palate) or acquired disorders after a stroke or injury
- Creating, implementing and monitoring relevant treatment programmes
- Advising carers on implementing treatment programmes and training other professionals in therapy delivery
- Working with clients on a one-to-one basis or in groups, to deliver therapy
- Writing and maintaining confidential client case notes and reports, as well as information for clients, carers and other professionals
- Managing a caseload taking account of priority cases, waiting lists, successful outcomes, referral and discharge of service usersM
- Working with others to improve the effectiveness of service delivery
- Therapists operating at more senior levels may be involved in managing a department and be involved in
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