Speaking Up - The Role of a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

​

Written by Lacey Mullin

September 30th, 2024

 

Right from birth, communication is a key part of our lives. As

we grow up, our way of communicating changes from cries

and babbles to learning all sorts of different languages. Our

speech and language skills serve as a crucial foundation for

effective communication and social interactions. Lacking this

foundation at a young age can hinder the development of

such a crucial skill. An estimated 55.2% of US children will

receive care from a pediatric speech-pathologist.1

Speech-language pathologists (SLP) are specially trained to

assess and treat a variety of conditions including but not

limited to, social communication disorders, cognitive

communication disorder and even swallowing issues.

Pediatric SLPs work with patients from infancy to adolescence to help children improve their communication skills and develop confidence in their self-expression. In this article, we will delve into what pediatric SLPs do as well as explore the education requirements to become a pediatric SLP. 

 

A patient is considered to have a speech disorder when they cannot produce speech sounds correctly or fluently or when there are issues with voice resonance. To help those with such disorders SLPs evaluate, treat, and assess speech sounds, voice, and resonance. As pediatric SLPs are working with young children, they may also work to prevent further conditions from developing later in life. However, not every condition that SLPs treat involve speech; some may include issues with swallowing or even social communication disorders, literacy impairments or cognitive communication disorders. They may also provide special therapy programs for patients to participate in. For instance, at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), they offer many different programs like their First Words program, and their Cleft and Lip Palette program. In these programs pediatric SLPs work closely with other departments to support children with communication disorders. In addition to evaluating and treating patients, pediatric SLPs provide training and education to family members and in some cases may even provide counselling to both the patient and their family. 

Pediatric SLPs often work collaboratively in schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practices. In Canada, there are many steps to becoming a pediatric SLP. The first two steps are the required education needed:

1)    Undergraduate Degree – earning an honour’s bachelor’s degree ideally in a related field like, health sciences or biomedical sciences. Those with an honour’s Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field must complete compulsory courses for their chosen Master’s program

2)    Master’s degree – there are currently twelve Canadian universities that offer programs in speech-language pathology; University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, Université de Laval (French), McGill University, Université de Montréal (French), University of Ottawa (French), Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (French), University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario, and McMaster University.

         On top of a Master’s level education, SLPs require clinical practice during their Master’s studies as well as certification within their respective province. For example, those who wish to pursue their careers in Ontario must register under the College of Audiologists and Speech-Pathologists of Ontario. All provincial regulatory and licensing bodies work under the Canadian Alliance of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAASPR). Finally, once licensed and registered within their respective province, pediatric SLPs can further receive training or certifications within pediatrics. The average base pay range for a pediatric speech-language pathologist can range from $118,000 to $285,000 a year. 

Although closely related to regular speech-pathologists, pediatric speech-pathologists have a lasting impact on their patients. They care for and help young kids not only develop their communication skills but help them develop confidence. It is a great career for those looking to make a positive impact in the lives of kids, our most precious human beings. ​