It’s easy to get confused by official titles that aren't clear! This month, we’re explaining some common industry terms to help you better understand the professionals involved in managing speech and language disorders.
What is a Speech Language Pathologist?
SLPs: Speech Language Pathologist
Professionals with academic and clinical training in assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
Education Requirements
Completion of a Bachelor's degree followed by two-year Masters degree in Health Science, Speech Language Pathology focus with multiple clinical placements
Course types: anatomy, audiology, linguistics, human development
Must be licensed in area of practice
Work settings: private practice, hospitals, clinics, rehab centres, nursing homes, schools, research, and more.
Roles in therapy
Clinical assessment and treatment of speech, language, literacy, voice, stuttering, and swallowing difficulties
Counselling
Support for client and their families
Source of information and resources
For more information: https://www.osla.on.ca/en/SpeechLanguagePathologist?
What is a Communication Disorders Assistant?
CDA: Communication Disorders Assistant
General term for multiple assistive training credentials: Communicative Disorders Assistant, Audiometric Assistant, Communication Technician
Works with SLPs and Audiologists to develop therapy strategies
Education Requirements
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, CDA certification usually with a college diploma program with clinical placements in the area of communication
Roles
Assist SLPs or Audiologists with assessment and provide direct, one-on-one treatment
For more information: https://cdaac.ca
What is an ABA Therapist?
ABA: Applied Behaviour Analysis
Therapist that assesses and improves behaviours and adaptive learning skills, commonly for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Behaviours: social skills, communication, reading, academics
Adaptive learning skills: dexterity, hygiene, grooming, punctuality
Education Requirements:
Must already be a licensed clinical therapist (college diploma program)
ABA is an additional certification and training process through the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
Employment opportunities in private or group practice, in homes, schools or clinics
Roles:
Assess and develop treatment plan
Help individuals with autism with behavioural skills of daily life
For more information: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/applied-behavior-analysis
What is an Occupational Therapist?
OT: Occupational Therapist
Therapists that provide assistance with things to improve a person’s ability to engage in everyday activities
Ex. getting dressed, cooking, going to work, social activities
Educational Requirements:
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree followed by a 2 year Masters degree in Science, Occupational Therapy focus with clinical placement and research
Course types: anatomy, ethics, mental health, assistive technologies
Must be licensed in area of practice
For Ontario: College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
Can work in homes, clinics, private practices, rehab centers, nursing homes, schools etc.
Roles:
Therapy and recommendations for individual and families
For more information: https://www.caot.ca/site/aboutot/whatisot?
What is a Psychological Assessment?
Conducted by: Licensed Psychologist
Credentials:
Completion of a Bachelor's degree followed by Masters or Doctoral degree in Psychology with clinical placement or residency
Testing aimed to evaluate social, academic, emotional thought and behavioral processes for individuals
Can include full academic testing to identify emotional blocks or learning disorders that may impact learning.
For more information: https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-psychological-assessment/
What is a Developmental Assessment?
Conducted by: mainly Pediatrician or Child Psychologist
Credentials vary according to specific occupation but required training on how to administer a developmental assessment
Process of testing for children to compare their performance to others of their ag
Often recommended by SLPs if there any signs of atypical development, often related to signs of autism or other developmental delays.
For more information: https://www.babycenter.com/0_development-assessments-what-you-need-to-know_6709.bc
_________________________________________________________________________________Andalusia Speech Therapy has two Toronto speech therapy clinics and offers speech teletherapy to anywhere in the world. Contact us more for information.