The child speech therapist is the professional who is in charge of treating the communication problems of children and adolescents related to to speech, language or hearing. Apart from this, he is also trained when it comes to treating swallowing, chewing or breathing disorders. To carry out his work in the most effective way possible, he uses different techniques, both for learning and for re-education.
The objective of the child speech therapist is none other than the improve the quality of life of the children and adolescents it treats. In the following article we will talk about the functions of the child speech therapist and what is necessary to study to dedicate himself to this profession.
The functions of the child speech therapist
The child speech therapist is also known as a speech and language therapist, playing an essential role both in the evaluation and in the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders related to speech, language or swallowing in children and adolescents. The functions of this professional are the following:
- Assess, diagnose and treat communication disorders that are related to: both oral and written language, speech, voice, hearing, chewing, swallowing or breathing.
- Carry out inquiries or referrals to health professionals.
- perform treatments, the most common being those related to improving dyslexia, stuttering, dysgraphia or certain speech sound disorders.
- Work with those children who have neurodevelopmental disorders as occurs with ADHD or ASD.
Those professionals are not dedicated exclusively to the clinical field, It can have another series of functions:
- be a teacher of those studies related to speech therapy.
- Driver speech therapy services.
- Lead and supervise different teams of professionals in early care centers or in social-health care centers.
- Perform Investigation work related to speech therapy.
- Act as an expert when required from the legal field.
- Participate in the elaboration of health programs that are related with care and prevention.
Where can the child speech therapist work?
- In schools and educational centers to treat children with difficulties in both speech and language.
- In speech therapy clinics to care for children with related problems with language and speech.
- In hospitals and health centers they can care for children who have communication problems related tos with neurological disorders or swallowing problems.
- In early intervention centers to treat young children who have some delay in both speech and language.
- In private consultations to treat children independently.
- In special schools serving children with disabilities or special educational needs.
- Some children's speech therapists may choose to provide their services in academic or research centers, participating in related research. speech and language disorders in children.
What do you have to study to be a child speech therapist?
There is no type of specialization in regard to children's speech therapy, so you have to take a degree in speech therapy. This university degree consists of four courses in which the student is properly trained. In the degree of speech therapy, knowledge will be obtained regarding the most appropriate learning processes, about the different disorders that exist and how to carry out early attention interventions. Apart from the aforementioned degree, in order to work as a professional in the field of child speech therapy, it is always advisable to broaden your knowledge and have a master's degree in child psychology or psychopedagogy.
Some skills of a good child speech therapist
When it comes to being a child speech therapist, it is important to have certain skills and personal qualities that allow the work to be as successful as possible. empathy is essential when it comes to understanding the frustrations of children and the challenges they face in their day to day. Patience is another of those skills that cannot be lacking in a child speech therapy professional.
Creativity also plays an important role in this type of profession. Every child is unique and differentTherefore, it is essential to find the appropriate therapy in each case. Teamwork must also be present in a child speech therapist since they usually collaborate with other professionals such as pediatricians or psychologists.
In short, the role of the child speech therapist has a fundamental role in the lives of many children who have serious difficulties in both speech and language. The child speech therapist works with the aim of helping children overcome obstacles and develop skills which are key and essential for communication. If you like working with children and you are interested in contributing to their good development, do not doubt that the university degree in children's speech therapist is the most suitable for you.