I love learning new languages. I travel frequently and want to experience different cultures in their native language. I believe it enriches my experiences.

If you've ever studied a foreign language and then tried to have even a simple conversation, you know how often you struggle to find the right words or expressions. You know what you want to say, you formulate the thought. However, because it's not your native language, your brain has to literally go into overdrive to help you find these new words and expressions. It's a humbling experience to say the least and is a great reminder not to take for granted that which may not come so easily for others.

Children and Speech

Babies typically start uttering sounds at a very young age. They progress onto muttering "Ma Ma" or "Da Da" and go from there.

A common consensus is that infants learn how to speak by imitation. However, MIT linguist and social activist Noam Chomsky has proposed that infants are born with some understanding of syntax (the arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences in a language), which makes it easier for them to know if the language structure of grammar is right or wrong. But his thesis is under fire. Surprisingly, there is no consensus among linguist experts as to how children actually learn to speak. It is agreed upon however, that the ability to hear correctly is an important milestone to advancing our speech capabilities.

Now think of a child with a speech deficit - stuttering, childhood apraxia of speech, dysarthria, cleft lip and palate or any one of the other dozen speech, language, medical, or developmental issues. The ability to communicate is stalled and with that can come other issues that affect development, socialization, confidence and more.

Enter the Speech Language Pathologist

In June of this year, Katie a pediatric speech pathologist wrote an article on her blog "Playing with Words" entitled 10 Ways a Speech Language Pathologist Can Change Your Child’s Life.  They include:

• Building Self Confidence
• Make Friends
• Be Successful in School
• Have Less Melt-Downs/Tantrums
• Play Independently
• Clean up His/Her Toys (And other Chores)
• Learn How to Use the Potty, Brush his Teeth, and Follow Other Routines
• Play Sports
• Tell You About Her Day
• Tell You He Loves You

So for all of the dedicated Speech Language Pathologists who are making a difference in children's lives, we salute you.

Want to begin a great new career? Need to find qualified behavioral health, healthcare, or educational staff? Search our open job listings or request staffing today!

Related Articles:

• Getting the Most Out of Your Speech Language Pathologist Degree
• Amazing Speech Therapy Tool Designed By High School Student
• Communication & Language in Speech Therapy - The Same or Different?
• Early Speech and Language Development - What to Expect
• Increased Need for Speech Therapy in Children From Technology Usage
• Speech Language Pathologists: Superheroes Making A Difference in Children's Lives
• Speech Therapy Bingo - Much More Than a Game!