Speech-Language Pathologists Helping Students

The role of school-based speech-language pathologists continues to evolve as the number of special-needs students climbs. These professionals instruct students in articulation, language and social skills that help them to learn as well as to interact with others, in the classroom and out.

By Nancy Crotti, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: October 21, 2009 - 3:22 PM

When Jill Kuzma began her career as a speech-language pathologist 13 years ago, she and her peers rarely worked with children on social skills. The increase in the number of children with autism and other neurological disorders has made that type of work much more common.

Kuzma, who works with students at Westview Elementary School in Apple Valley, now trains colleagues around the state in how to teach social skills.

"Speech pathologists really are excited and embracing this kind of expansion of their service areas," says Kuzma. "They're continuing to seek information and training on how they can do that effectively."

When Problems Arise

Articulation disorders, which require the services of speech language pathologists, are typically identified between the ages of 4 and 7, while language disorders may not show up until fourth grade, according to Kuzma. Children who have difficulty processing what they hear and learning grammar and vocabulary often go to other special education teachers for help.

"Speech-language pathologists work with other special education teachers to help students build background knowledge about topics studied in the classroom, and to increase a student's understanding of academic vocabulary to support progress in reading, written language and math," Kuzma says.

Some children also struggle to read facial expressions, body language and tone of voice and to gauge their impact on others. Speech language pathologists use digital photographs and videos to help these children analyze others' behavior and read social cues. A speech language pathologist may also convene a group of children from a student's class for a facilitated recess or lunch group. "That's a little bit broader way of meeting social needs," Kuzma says.

Teens Need Help, Too

Language and social skills continue to develop during adolescence, according to Katie Widestrom, a speech language pathologist at Champlin Park High School.

"Oral language is that foundation for so much later learning and is often used to demonstrate knowledge in a classroom. A person uses language skills not just to communicate but to form thoughts in one's mind," Widestrom says. "The demands on an individual's oral language skills, the complexity and the variety of social situations all increase (as kids get older)."

A teen with a language deficit may have difficulty answering open-ended questions, performing well at a job interview, giving a presentation or asking someone for a date. "How does the speech language pathologist impact the student not just in school but in life?" Widestrom asks. "It's amazing how many directions that can g

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