difference between speech pathologist and dev'tal specialist?

Glendi2.0

DD#2 has been receiving EI services for her communication delays (both expressive and receptive) from a dev'tal specialist for the last year... there hasn't been much progres, so I inquired a couple of months ago about the possibility of introducing a speech therapist into her routine, but her devt'al specialist told me that at DD's age, SLP's didn't really do anything different than what she was doing (she does mostly play-based therapy, and is working on improving DD's mimicking skills and attention span.)  If not at 2 years old, at what age do the activities a developmental spec. and a SLP begin to differ? I'm starting to hear/read about things like PECS and revisiting the idea of sign language, neither of which have really been pushed in her therapy. Given the lack of progress, I'm feeling the itch to revisit this request- is it worth pursuing?

TIA!

mommyof4boys

I'd call your EI casemanager up and request an SLP.  If not, call her supervisor.  I requested one and we got it.  We were told that if the speech receptive and expressive skills were really low that they would do the SLP not the speech teacher.

susanmosley

A speech language pathologist has a master's degree in communication disorders (may be called something slightly different depending on the university).  Their education is focused solely on typical and atypical speech, language, feeding, and cognitive development.  

A developmental specialist is not necessarily that focused in their scope of practice and often do not have master's degrees.  

If I had a child with a speech, language or feeding issue, I would require they be treated by an SLP.  If a "CCC-SLP" follows their title, you are insured that they passed an exam administered by www.asha.org (the governing board for SLPs and audiologists) and that they spent a 9-month period being mentored/observed/trained by a licensed SLP)  

Lastly, among SLPs, some will have more experience and expertise in AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) that others.  Some will focus on processing disorders, voice, fluency, or autism related language and speech issues, for example.  However, they are all educated in all areas related to these issues and should be the most helpful in finding a therapist that is fully competent with the deficits you need addressed.  

With anything else, there are good therapists and bad therapists.  Keep "shopping" until you find one that works well with your child.  Ask questions, stay informed, and be your child's number one advocate.

GL 

susanmosley

Glendi:

so I inquired a couple of months ago about the possibility of introducing a speech therapist into her routine, but her devt'al specialist told me that at DD's age, SLP's didn't really do anything different than what she was doing (she does mostly play-based therapy, and is working on improving DD's mimicking skills and attention span.)  

Lame answer, IMO.  Maybe they would do similar things, but an SLP almost certainly has more education and understand of normal and atypical speech and language development (her specialty), thus may be a billion times more effective.  

If at 2 years old, you as the parent want to introduce PECS or ASL, a good therapist will be receptive to this and help implement a program that will work for your family.  Functionality in her natural environment is key.  If your developmental specialist is not comfortable with PECS, teaching it, creating programs, etc. and that is the direction in which you want to head, you need the help of someone who can take that route with you confidently while educating your family on ways to make it most effective.  

In conclusion, an SLP and a developmental specialist are notably different. 

Pierce3252

That's weird she said that.  We've had a developmental specialist working with Isaac since he was 2 months old.  We were recommended to get an evaluation with a speech therapist/SLP in this past month (at 10 1/2 months) and he is supposed to start services soon. 

I'd pursue it!  Definitely ask your case coordinator.  There's no harm in getting all the help you can!!! 

harvest-wed

the truth is probably that the EI agency is short staffed for SLP's so have a developmental specialist working with most of the speech kids. 

 I am lucky enoough to work for a very well staffed EI program as an SLP and will say kids who start with a D.S. or who have both do often have better attention, cooperation, and imitation.  

 The two are not mutually exclusive, your child can benefit from working with both people.  

 you could def. ask for at least a consult with an SLP they should def. be able to provide that.  good luck!!