Speech and Language Pathology

Speech and Language Pathology

Two years after my son Gabriel was born, he was struggling with speech and language issues. I had just returned to complete my undergraduate studies in Speech- Language Pathology & Audiology at Lehman College. Little could I have known how my major would spill out of the classroom into my family life.

I noticed he exhibited difficulty producing certain sounds and socializing with other children. Immediately, I spoke to my professors, and we soon identified the clinical source of his challenges. He was diagnosed with Pervasive Development Delay- Non Otherwise Specified (PDD- NOS) and now receives speech and language pathology services. I implemented oral- motor techniques, such as blowing bubbles to strengthen his facial muscles for articulation, and we played turn- taking games with blocks to facilitate his appropriate social use of language. He is now on- track and in kindergarten with his peers at a charter school. Seeing how I could help Gabriel motivates me to pursue an M.S. in Speech- Language Pathology, so that I can help other families as well.

As a Physical Therapist Assistant, I have enjoyed helping people who are undergoing emotional and physical traumas in geriatric inpatient and orthopedic outpatient settings. Many have suffered neurological ailments, traumatic brain injuries, and strokes. I have collaborated with Occupational Therapists, Nurses, and Speech- Language Pathologists. The Speech Pathologists took notice of my simple vocal approach, such as singing with patients while making the exercises feel effortless. They encouraged me to pursue further study in Speech Pathology.

Clinical observations and attending my son's sessions have strengthened my interest to aid children with speech and language delays, particularly those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. When I met other mothers with Autistic children in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, I met many families who spoke little ...