Speech-language pathology is a specialized field dedicated to preventing, assessing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of communication and swallowing across the lifespan. These professionals work to improve an individual’s ability to interact with the world, addressing issues that affect basic needs, social connection, and academic success. Recognizing this impact, various organizations promote annual campaigns to educate the public. Knowing when this professional awareness occurs helps the public engage with resources and information about communication and swallowing health.
Identifying the Annual Awareness Month
The observance often informally referred to as Speech Therapy Month is recognized annually during May. It is officially known as National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, though it was historically celebrated as Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM). This designation is spearheaded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the primary professional organization for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The campaign highlights the importance of timely intervention for communication and hearing challenges.
The Purpose of the National Campaign
The national campaign in May focuses on the broader public health mission of the profession. A primary objective is to raise awareness about the prevalence of communication and swallowing disorders, which affect tens of millions of Americans. Promoting early identification is a key emphasis, as early detection and intervention significantly improve long-term outcomes for children with speech or language delays. The campaign also works to reduce the stigma associated with communication disorders, encouraging individuals to seek help.
The month also disseminates information regarding preventative health measures. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists share advice on protecting hearing, including safe listening practices and noise exposure management. The campaign encourages routine screenings and evaluations, underscoring that communication health is an integral part of overall well-being. Focusing on education and accessibility, the May observance empowers the public to take proactive steps toward better communication and hearing.
Scope of Practice for Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) treat a broader spectrum of human function than the common perception of speech impediments. Their scope includes articulation disorders, which involve the physical production of speech sounds, and phonological disorders, which relate to the organization of those sounds within a language system. SLPs also address fluency disorders, such as stuttering, which involves disruptions in the rhythm and flow of speech.
SLPs provide treatment for language disorders, encompassing receptive language (understanding communication) and expressive language (conveying meaning). This work extends to literacy skills, focusing on underlying language difficulties that affect reading and writing development. Voice disorders are another area of expertise, where SLPs treat issues with vocal quality, pitch, or loudness that may stem from misuse or medical conditions.
A portion of SLP practice involves cognitive-communication disorders, which are deficits in attention, memory, or problem-solving that impact communication. These challenges often occur following neurological events like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or progressive diseases such as dementia. SLPs are also primary care providers for dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing food or liquids, a disorder that can lead to serious health complications like aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition.