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Speech-language pathologist

A professional, often called an SLP or speech therapist, who assesses and treats problems with speech, language, social communication and swallowing.

What It Means

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a professional who assesses and treats problems with speech sounds, understanding and using language, social communication, thinking skills tied to communication, and swallowing. Many people say "speech therapist." Those who hold ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence sign their name with CCC-SLP, a credential that requires a graduate degree.

Try It: Quiz Yourself on SLP Credentials

Three quick questions about SLP credentials, answered from ASHA's certification pages.

1. ASHA's CCC-SLP credential requires which kind of degree?

2. Does ASHA require every SLP to hold the CCC?

3. Who accredits the master's programs ASHA accepts for the CCC-SLP?

Correct so far: 0 of 3

How Parents Say It

  • "She sees the speech therapist at school twice a week."
  • "Our SLP gave us a few games to play at home."
  • "We're waiting for the speech evaluation."

The Breakdown

How children see an SLP, by age. This matches Buhata's speech therapySpeech therapyTreatment from a speech-language pathologist to help a child with speech sounds, understanding and using language, social communication or swallowing. See more page, which draws on CDC and ASHA:

AgeUsual routePlan
Under 3Your state's early intervention programEarly interventionServices under IDEA Part C for babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or disability, and for their families. See more, which you can contact yourselfIFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)
3 and olderThe public schoolPublic schoolA school run by publicly elected or appointed officials and paid for mainly with public money, including district, charter and magnet schools. See more, starting with an evaluationIEPIEPAn IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the written plan a public school makes for a child who qualifies for special education under IDEA. See more, if your child qualifies for special education
Any ageA private SLP; ask your child's doctor where to startThe SLP's own treatment plan

What SLPs work on. ASHA lists speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication and swallowing. With young children, much of the work is early language and clear speech sounds.

Questions to ask. Buhata's suggestions:

  1. Do you hold the CCC-SLP?
  2. How often will sessions happen, and will my child be seen alone, in a group or in class?
  3. What should we practice at home between sessions?
  4. How will you measure progress, and when will I hear about it?

When to look for one. If you're worried about how your child talks or understands, CDC's advice, as Buhata's speech therapy page explains, is to talk with your child's doctor. For a child under 3 you can contact early intervention directly; from 3, ask the school for an evaluation in writing.

Good to Know

ASHA says holding its CCC is voluntary, so ask a provider whether they hold it and what other credentials your school or insurer requires. The association has also published certification standards for 2027, so check its certification pages for the current requirements if you're comparing credentials. In school, an SLP may work with a child alone, in a small group or inside the classroom, so ask how and where sessions will happen and how progress will be reported.

FAQ

Is a speech therapist the same as a speech-language pathologist?

Usually, yes. "Speech-language pathologist" is the professional title, and "speech therapist" is the everyday name for the same work.

What does CCC-SLP mean?

It stands for ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. It requires a graduate degree from an accredited program, and ASHA describes holding it as voluntary.

Can my child get speech therapy at school?

Yes, if an evaluation finds they need it. From age 3, the public school evaluates the child, and services that come through special education are written into an IEP.

Do It in Buhata

Calendar, Reminders

Put each speech therapy session on the Buhata Calendar, and set a Reminder for the home practice the SLP suggests.

Open Buhata

Related Terms and Categories

  • Speech therapy

    Treatment from a speech-language pathologist to help a child with speech sounds, understanding and using language, social communication or swallowing.

  • Speech delay

    When a child's talking develops more slowly than most children the same age, in making speech sounds, in using words, or both.

  • Early intervention

    Services under IDEA Part C for babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or disability, and for their families.

  • IEP

    An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the written plan a public school makes for a child who qualifies for special education under IDEA.

  • Evaluation request

    A request, usually from a parent, that the public school evaluate a child for a disability and special education services under IDEA.

  • School psychologist

    A school-based specialist trained in assessment, learning, behavior and mental health, who supports students, families and teachers.

School and education for parents

Sources

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), "Apply for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology"; ASHA, "FAQs: Certification in Speech-Language Pathology"; ASHA, "Speech-Language Pathology Pathway to Certification"; ASHA, "2027 Certification Standards in Speech-Language Pathology"; ASHA, "Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology"; ASHA, "Speech-Language Pathologists"; ASHA, "Speech and Language Services in Schools"; CDC, Learn the Signs. Act Early., "Early Intervention"

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