07/06/2025
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) do more than "speech therapy". The "L" for language is key! Language is the foundation that shapes learning, social skills, and emotions.
SLPs are often referred to as “Speech Therapists” or even “Speech Teachers" (which, admittedly, flow off the tongue more easily than our full title). But let's not forget the "L" in favor of brevity, it's such a crucial component of our role and an area (language!) in which we are uniquely qualified to contribute.
We all know language shapes everything from cognitive and academic development to social-emotional and pragmatic skills. Including "Language" in our title adds a few extra seconds but honors (and reminds everyone) of the important role SLPs play in supporting children across various domains.
Head to https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/How-language-defines-learning to read our research review, "How language defines learning," and deepen your appreciation for the way language underpins pretty much everything. Oh, and you'll earn 10 minutes of CEUs, too.
The research:
https://doi.org/10.1177/07319487241288531
https://doi.org/10.1177/23969415241275775
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-025-01302-4
[Visual description: Cartoon of two houses. One house is labeled “Academic Achievement” and the other “Social Development". Both houses are built on a shared foundation labeled “Language Skills.” The academic house shows symbols like math signs, books, and pencils, while the social house includes emojis and words like “emotion” and “friendship.” The foundation below both houses is made of stones labeled with language skills like vocabulary, syntax, sounds, and semantics. Image text reads, "Now those are some great bones.No matter the goal, language is the foundation."]