speech language pathologist

Speech language what? That's the response i get from most people when i tell them my profession. It has been quite the conversation starter over the years. I definitely love my profession and all the quirky things about being an SLP. I had to share this handout I received entitled "helpful hints for those working with a speech pathologist". I, of course think it's hilarious because i do feel as though i operate in a different world sometimes. When i get around my fellow "speechies" and talk speech i feel right at home. Kyle likes to make fun of my excessive hand movements while i talk and all the jargon that gets thrown in like its nothing when i am talking to another SLP. So here are some helpful hints that i find hilariously 'true':

1) If there's any verbal confusion, it's your fault. She's a speech pathologist and knows how to express her thoughts- all of them- all of the time. I would prob say Kyle would agree with this lol.

2) Don't even bother to ask, "do you know what you're going to do today?" Of course she knows what she's going to do. She's a speech path. She made her mental list the night before and has been rehearsing it ever since, unless she has written it down on a small piece of paper, which she'll copy neatly to another, larger piece right after she has her first cup of coffee. Do this every morning.

3) Nothing is simple. A statement like "he has a sore throat" will surely be followed by "what time did this start? what was he eating at the time? did you take his temperature? what do you mean by normal? Is it his normal or everyone's normal? does he have a rash? you get the point, we like to follow up.

4) Be prepared for long emails. In the spirit of thoroughness every detail of every thought will be put on paper to explain a thought. Guess this is why my family calls me 'aesop'?

5) Expect them to find flaws. Don't take it personally- it's their profession that causes this behavior. They've been trained to look for imperfections. Looking for something to 'fix' comes natural.

6) They are truly involved in all they come in contact with, and that vitality and commitment to make things better is not only endearing, but commendable. The world is a better place because of speech paths. (I only hope I have this kind of impact! I know the Lord chose me to be a speech path to make the world a better place, 'one sound at a time'.)

Happy Friday!