Speech Therapy for Children and Adults

The Communication Advocate

Better Known As Your Speech-Language Pathologist!

One might ask, “why would I consider my Speech Therapist my advocate?” The answer is simple: we can assist in giving a “voice” to the needs of our clients.

Families or patients are sometimes overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin when faced with deficits. They may have experienced problems with communication, cognition, processing, or neurological deficits just to name a few. Impairments and the challenges these deficits bring can impact individuals of all ages, from early intervention to the geriatric sector. A speech therapist can assist by locating appropriate resources in the community or providing information on the next steps. As we act on your behalf, we gather facts, collaborate with other professionals, develop strategies, and perform the most important task: helping you reach your ultimate goal of getting the help that you need.

Whether the client is a child or an adult, there are significant key areas that must be considered. A Speech-Language Pathologist acting as your communication Advocate will be able to help you become familiar with the following areas, based on a resource from the Pacer Center:

1. Understanding the diagnosis impacting your loved one is important. We can direct you to resources or support systems within your community that will educate you on how to engage with your child or an adults who desires to independently seek support within the community.

2. Knowing who the important people are in a patient’s developmental process. The most important person in your situation is YOU or the person who needs representation. It is the advocate’s responsibility to hold all others who play a significant role in the patient’s life accountable. Sometimes the responsible person may be YOU the Parent or YOU the adult patient.

3. Being ready to be INVOLVED in the individual’s care or your care.

4. Learning to be an effective communicator, voicing your concerns, asking questions, and encouraging all parties involved.

So, can you effectively advocate for your loved one?

Allow your communication advocate the opportunity to research your areas of concern. We listen to your concerns, discuss areas of interest, and request orders to evaluate. Upon completion of that evaluation, we establish a treatment plan.