Celebrating Speech-Language Pathologists

May is National Speech, Language, and Hearing Month — the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the incredible impact pediatric speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants have on children and families. 

When most people think of speech therapy, they often picture a child practicing their “R” sounds or working on pronunciation. While that’s certainly a part of it, there’s so much more to speech therapy than meets the eye! Speech therapists are deeply involved in supporting children’s growth across many areas, often in ways that surprise people.

Here are 5 ways SLPs help children thrive:

1. Building Social Skills - SLPs play a huge role in helping children connect with others. Through fun and engaging therapy activities, they teach kids how to start conversations, recognize facial expressions, take turns, and build meaningful peer relationships. These social skills foster confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging, which is just as vital as academic success.

2. Supporting Literacy & Dyslexia - SLPs are language experts, and that makes them a key part of reading support. They work on essential building blocks like phonological awareness (hearing and manipulating sounds), decoding, and understanding language. These skills are the foundation for strong reading and writing, especially for children with dyslexia or other learning challenges.

3. Strengthening Feeding & Swallowing Skills - Did you know that many SLPs also support children with feeding difficulties? Whether it’s helping a toddler who’s a selective eater, supporting a child with oral-motor delays, or working with children who have medical needs that impact chewing and swallowing, SLPs use specialized techniques to make mealtimes safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

4. Helping with Executive Functioning - Executive functioning refers to the brain's ability to plan, stay organized, and remember steps in a task. SLPs help kids develop these skills through language-based strategies that improve focus, sequencing, and follow-through. These tools are vital for success in school and daily life, especially for neurodivergent children.

5. Developing Understanding & Expression - At the heart of speech therapy is communication. SLPs help children understand what’s being said and find the right words to express themselves. Whether it is following directions, asking for help, or sharing a story, SLPs make sure kids feel heard, understood, and empowered to speak up.

A Shoutout to Our Incredible Team

At Therapy Tree Services, we know just how life-changing speech therapy can be. Our SLPs and SLP assistants are real-life superheroes. Their care, creativity, and unwavering commitment help children grow, connect, and thrive — at home, at school, and in the world around them.

To all of our amazing therapists, thank you! Your work makes a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for everything you do.