Dyslexia and the SLP: 

 

As speech-language pathologists, we recognize that the focus of prevention is the most impactful role that we can have when working with students with dyslexia. We are the key to “Upstream Thinking”. 

 

We are often the first professionals to come into contact with students at risk for later reading difficulties simply due to the nature of the development of reading and the direct correlation between oral language, speech sound disorders, and dyslexia. Whether in school settings, private clinics, or home-based settings, we often already have these students on our caseloads.

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There are several ways we, as SLPs, can positively impact this at-risk population: educating other professionals on the early signs of dyslexia, assessing and screening students, and providing direct early intervention services. It is vital that we understand and help other educators and administrators understand the unique skills set we obtain to support early identification and intervention of dyslexia.