Genetics and speech-language pathology
Speech and language are some of the most significant foundations of human communication. Individuals with speech disorders have difficulties sharing information with other people. Also, language patterns affect the flow of information from one place to another. Speech-language pathologists come into play where speech disorders are available. However, the roles of speech-language pathologists are broader than dealing with speech disorders alone. Speech-language pathologists are highly trained individuals who deal with different types of delays and disorders affecting people in terms of speech and language.
Speech-language pathologists deal with speech and swallowing problems among people of different ages. The operation of speech-language pathologists is aided by knowing genetics (Newbury & Monaco, 2010). Besides, genetics have been associated with several speech disorders. Therefore, speech-language pathologists have to be equipped with information concerning genetics. Genetics are also associated with communication science, and the most typical and atypical developmental process can be learnt from genetics.
Moreover, speech-language pathologists are in a position to encounter several cases of genetic disorders and syndromes. Therefore, speech-language pathologists should have information on genetics to avoid instances of unknown medical problems. Generally, speech-language pathologists are the first referrals in the event of speech disorders and should thus have information on genetics.
People with speech and communication disorders rely on speech-language pathologists for assistance. Therefore, the information on genetics is critical to speech-language pathologists. The sensitivity of the issue of communication disorders places speech-language pathologists on a vital position in the society. Besides, a community without communication is faced with several challenges. The solution to the issue of communication disorders depends on the information available to the pathologists. Moreover, essential information relevant to speech-language pathologists is the information on genetics.
Disorders in the development of speech and language are common among children and adults. The disorders are associated with heterogeneous phenotypes. The heterogeneity of the causes of disorders has been causing difficulties in the diagnosis of such disorders. Also, genetic variations have been noticed in the recent past; hence, the process of diagnosing the disorders becoming difficult. Besides, the different variants have been causing different types of speech disorders that need intervention from the speech-language pathologists. The study of the different genetic variants is crucial and equips speech-language pathologists with information on the diagnosis of various speech and communication disorders.
Speech sounds and language form the more substantial part of speech-language pathologists’ work. Therefore, information on sounds and the combination of sound patterns is crucial to speech-language pathologists (Tramontana, Blood & Blood, 2013). Moreover, some individuals face challenges in bringing sounds together to form words. Disorders such as articulation and phonological disorders need the intervention of speech-language pathologists. Also, adults may suffer from aphasia, where the understanding process of individuals is affected. Communication flows when individuals can hear and understand language. When understanding becomes a challenge, the intervention of speech-language pathologists comes in handy. Generally, speech-language pathologists need information concerning speech sounds and language understanding capabilities.
The ability to read and write does not develop smoothly in everyone as well as the ability to interact socially. Disorders exist among individuals that hinder them from becoming literate as well as socializing with other people. People with speech and communication disorders have high chances of having literacy challenges. Also, social communication may be a challenge to some people where the adherence to simple social rules is a challenge. Information concerning such disorders is relevant to speech-language pathologists. Besides, the importance of information on speech disorders is related to professionals tasked with dealing with the disorders in question. Additionally, the ability to speak fluently and maintain acceptable voice may lead to some disorders.
The ability to speak fluently, or use clear voice is not guaranteed for everyone. The case of fluency may be treated differently where an individual is learning a particular language for the first time (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2016). However, individuals who cannot communicate fluently in their first language may be said to have communication disorders. Also, some individuals have voices that may be termed as being faulty. For example, hoarse voice, a loud voice or even lack of sound is a cause for concern. Speech-language pathologists are in a position to aid in the correction of such disorders if the necessary information is available.
In sum, Speech-language pathologists are highly trained individuals who deal with different types of delays and disorders affecting people in terms of speech and language. Generally, speech-language pathologists are the first referrals in the event of speech disorders and should thus have information on genetics. The study of the different genetic variants is crucial and equips speech-language pathologists with information on the diagnosis of various speech and communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists are in a position to aid in the correction of speech and communication disorders if the necessary information is available.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2016). Scope of practice in speech-language pathology.
Newbury, D. F., & Monaco, A. P. (2010). Genetic advances in the study of speech and language disorders. Neuron, 68(2), 309-320.
Tramontana, G. M., Blood, I. M., & Blood, G. W. (2013). Speech-language pathologists’ knowledge of genetics: Perceived confidence, attitudes, knowledge acquisition and practice-based variables. Journal of communication disorders, 46(1), 100-110.