Who Are Speech-Language Pathologists and What Do They Do?

Posted: 2 years, 11 months ago

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Speech-language pathologists, also called SLPs, are experts in communication.

SLPs work with people of all ages, from babies to adults. SLPs treat many types of communication and swallowing problems. These include problems with:

Speech sounds—how we say sounds and put sounds together into words. Other words for these problems are articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria.

Language—how well we understand what we hear or read and how we use words to tell others what we are thinking. In adults this problem may be called aphasia.

Literacy—how well we read and write. People with speech and language disorders may also have trouble reading, spelling, and writing.

Social communication—how well we follow rules, like taking turns, how to talk to different people, or how close to stand to someone when talking. This is also called pragmatics.

Voice—how our voices sound. We may sound hoarse, lose our voices easily, talk too loudly or through our noses, or be unable to make sounds.

Fluency—also called stuttering, is how well speech flows. Someone who stutters may repeat sounds, like t-t-t-table, use "um" or "uh," or pause a lot when talking. Many young children will go through a time when they stutter, but most outgrow it.

Cognitive-communication—how well our minds work. Problems may involve memory, attention, problem solving, organization, and other thinking skills.

Feeding and swallowing—how well we suck, chew, and swallow food and liquid. A swallowing disorder may lead to poor nutrition, weight loss, and other health problems. This is also called dysphagia. (ASHA.org/public)

The Grand Traverse Pavilions is celebrating Better Speech and Hearing Month!

The Grand Traverse Pavilions offers outpatient SLP services as well as services for clients during a subacute or long term stay. 

Meet Timothy Zmudka – Speech Language Pathologist

Tim received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2012 followed by a Master ​of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Grand Valley State University in 2017. His particular areas of interest include the treatment of communication and swallowing disorders following neurological injuries including strokes and traumatic brain injuries. He also enjoys working with individuals with significant communication deficits by developing alternative means of communication. He is certified in LSVT Loud for the treatment of voice disorders in those with Parkinson’s Disease and is also a certified McNeill Dysphagia (Swallow) Therapy Program provider.  Tim is passionate about healthcare advocacy for our community and recently became an active participant in the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Health Care Committee.

 

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