Speech & Language Pathology

Supporting communication, language, and literacy development.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide specialized assessment and therapy to help children develop communication and language skills. At iReading Tutor, speech and language support can address articulation, language development, social communication, and related literacy needs.

The role

What does a Speech & Language Pathologist do?

A Speech & Language Pathologist (SLP) is a trained professional who evaluates and supports children with communication and language needs.

SLPs may work with children on speech sound production, language development, communication skills, social communication, and other areas that can affect a child's ability to communicate and participate successfully at home, at school, and in everyday life.

Speech sounds

Language development

Communication

Social communication

Everyday participation

Assessments

Speech and language assessments help identify a child's individual strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful.

An SLP can evaluate areas such as

Speech sound production

Receptive and expressive language

Communication skills

Social communication and pragmatics

Other language-related areas based on the child's individual needs

Individualized therapy

Therapy

Speech and language therapy is individualized to the child's communication and language goals.

Therapy may focus on developing clearer speech, strengthening language skills, improving communication, and supporting functional communication in everyday situations.

Goals

Articulation & Language Goals

Therapy can address articulation and language goals based on each child's individual needs. Articulation support may focus on helping children produce speech sounds more clearly. Language support may address areas such as understanding language, expressing ideas, building vocabulary, forming sentences, and communicating effectively.

01

Assess

02

Understand

03

Set goals

04

Practice

05

Build confidence

Every child is different, and not every child follows the same path or sequence.

Social communication

Pragmatics & Social Communication

Speech-language support can also address pragmatics,

which are the social aspects of communication.

For children with Autism, therapy may include support with social communication skills such as understanding and using language in social situations, conversational skills, taking turns, interpreting communication, and expressing needs appropriately.

The goal is to support meaningful communication and participation in everyday life.

The connection

Supporting Literacy Through Speech & Language

Speech and language development can be closely connected with literacy development. Some speech-language pathologists have additional Orton-Gillingham training and can use that knowledge to assist with literacy-related needs.

Speech to Literacy Timeline

Step 1

Speech

Step 2

Language

Step 3

Phonological
awareness

Step 4

Reading

Step 5

Literacy

Our team

Speech & Language Professionals

Speech & Language Pathologists

ANNA KATHRYN ELLISON

Credential and certification details are shown exactly as provided.

Certificate provided for ANNA KATHRYN ELLISON

Speech & Language Pathologists

Sandy C Mendez

Credential and certification details are shown exactly as provided.

Certificate provided for Sandy C Mendez

For families

Understanding Your Child's Communication Needs

Every family starts somewhere, and questions about communication are a natural part of watching a child grow. Identifying a child's individual communication strengths and challenges can help families understand what type of support may be appropriate.

You know your child best. A conversation with a speech-language pathologist can help you explore options at a pace that feels right for your family.