Paediatric speech pathology involves the diagnosis, study, as well as treatment of communication problems in children. Speech pathology does not only cover speech related disorders but also communication related disorders. Communication disorders like difficulties with social communication, various forms of literal impairments, and cognitive impairments.
This branch of science is a sensitive one. It could be the bridge between a child having communication disorders and a normal life. Paediatric speech pathology offers help and necessary support to children in order to help them overcome these disorders. Pathologists in this area usually make a lasting impact in the life of the child or children they attend to.
Skills Needed For Paediatric Speech Pathology
In addition to the medical background and qualifications of a paediatric speech pathologist, there are additional skills that they need to succeed in paediatric speech pathology. These skills are what he or she will employ while diagnosing or treating their young patients.
- Effective Communication Skills: This is on top of the list. For you to be able to solve the communication disorders of another person, you must be able to communicate well yourself. Communication here involves being able to listen well.
Most times, the children you attend to would need a pathologist who will be able to give them undivided attention and commitment. This can be the only way to listen and communicate with them.
The communication also extends to the parents and the pathologist. As a paediatric speech pathologist, you should be able to compassionately listen and pass across your message to the parents of the child. That way, they know that you understand their worries and that you are committed to helping them.
The study of paediatric speech pathology alone will not add this skill to you. It is one that you develop on your own and while on the job.
- Ability to think critically: This is one of the fields that does not follow a specific pattern. Every child is different and should be attended to differently. Two children may have the same disorder, but they are different and the same method may not work for them. This is where critical thinking comes in.
As a paediatric speech pathology expert, you need to be flexible enough to listen and adjust to the needs of each of your patients in the best way possible. You need to be able to analyse their challenge as soon as you start the process with them.
Before the solution can come or the process of recovery can start, you have to understand the child. Prior understanding and diagnosis make the process shorter and bring better results. You have to make the child know that you are there to help and that together, you both can beat the disorder.
- Ability to solve problems: Paediatric speech pathology teaches you how to solve speech problems in children. Having the knowledge and implementing it is totally different. Especially in this case where each case is peculiar. The simple job description of a paediatric speech pathologist is to solve the speech problem of children.
The ability to solve the child’s speech problem also involves choosing the best method to solve it. The best method will treat the problem and prevent reoccurrence. Being able to solve speech problems in children is what makes you a renowned paediatric speech pathologist. This is arguably the most important skill needed. On a closet look, it works with the first two above.
Conclusion
Speech and communication disorders in children are a major source of low self-esteem among children. Today, paediatric speech pathology as a field has come to put an end to this through well-trained pathologist who treats these disorders.