Who is a 'Speech Language Pathologist/Therapist?' from the horse's mouth..


Dated: 29/01/18

As ISHA (Indian Speech and Hearing Association) has completed it's 50th year the"Golden Era of ISHA"in India, it's my responsibility as a member to spread awareness about the profession. My experience as a Speech Pathologist has been great till date as it gives personal satisfaction and I learn something new every single day. On the other side I have faced many situations where I had a tough time to explain about my profession. 

           The first question people ask me is "What is Speech Language Pathology/ Speech Therapy?". Many people are not aware of the field and the job description. Few people have a vague idea that it is something to do with voice in children. Few people have a misconception that it is a training program and anyone can give speech therapy. I have two experiences which has left me blank. In one instance, a babysitter has approached for the job of speech therapist saying "I have been observing speech therapy sessions for a while now and I have learnt few techniques". In another instance, a lady has sent a request for the post of Speech Therapist and when inquired about the qualification I have learnt that she has done her college education in a field which is not related to Speech Language Pathology. In both the instances there's no fault in any of them, it just clearly indicates the extent of awareness about the field of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology. My personal experience also has been very bad as many of the people in our community are not aware of the field and it has been underrated as a random degree program.
          
           Now let's learn what 'Speech Language Pathology/ Speech therapy' actually is? It is one of the 'Allied Health services' also called 'Para medical professions'. It deals with Assessment and treatment of Communication and Swallowing disorders both in children and adults. In hospital setup, Speech pathology services are provided as part of Rehabilitation services which also include physiotherapy and occupational therapy and also seen as a part of NICU and ICU. There are Speech and hearing institutions where Bachelor's and Master's program are available to train individuals in assessment and treatment of communication disorders. Private Speech therapy clinic's provide IEP (individualized education program), group therapy for children and adults with communication disorders.

         The other questions that I have been asked is "Who is a Speech therapist?", and "Who can work as a Speech therapist?". A Speech Language Pathologist/ Therapist is an individual who has attained Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Audiology and Speech language pathology. People with the above mentioned degree has to register and get license with ISHA (Indian Speech and Hearing association) and RCI (Rehabiliation Council of India) to practice. An individual who has done Diploma in Speech and Hearing can help only in screening and work only under the supervision of licensed SLP and are not permitted to run private clinic's. Any kind of malpractices are viable to punishment which include imprisonment and fine of Rs.1000/- as mentioned in the inaugural function of Goldern era of ISHA.

         Dhara clinic is on a mission to provide awareness about the field of Speech pathology, services provided and help parents to seek proper guidance about the communication challenges. The designation of Speech language pathologist is not easily attainable. It takes 3 years of learning (Bachelors degree program), 10 months of application (internship program) and a license to be designated  as "SLP". 

 Written by:
Ms. Sai Harika Boppana,
Consultant Speech Pathologist,
Certified by RCI,
Lifetime member of ISHA.

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