Not All Speech Therapists Are the Same (Here’s What That Actually Means)

In my last blog post, I shared how to find the right fit when choosing a speech therapist. But let’s peel back another layer of the onion here (because parenting a child with support needs isn’t already complex enough, right?).

What if I told you that not all SLPs have the same skill set? Yep. Even if they all have those shiny CCC-SLP credentials behind their name.

Let’s talk about what most people don’t know—and what you, as a parent, need to know—when looking for a therapist who actually has the skills to support your child’s needs.

Speech Therapy: A Little About a Lot

Here’s the deal: in grad school, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to be generalists. Think of us like family physicians—we learn a little bit about a lot of topics.

The field of speech-language pathology is incredibly broad. We’re talking:

• Articulation and language delays

• Fluency (stuttering)

• Feeding and swallowing

• Cognitive-communication

• Social skills

• Voice disorders

• AAC

• Orofacial myology

• Trach and vent care

• And more…

Whew. That’s a lot, right? So here’s the kicker: no one comes out of grad school an expert in all those things. And in some cases? Some of those topics barely get more than a slide deck in a single class...

Yes, SLPs Can Specialize (and They Should!)

Just like a doctor might go on to specialize in dermatology, cardiology, or pediatrics, SLPs can pursue post-grad certifications, training, and continuing education in specific areas.

So, while technically any SLP can see a child with feeding challenges or AAC needs, not all have the training, confidence, or competence to do it well. And unfortunately, many families find that out the hard way—after months of therapy that isn’t getting results.

Some examples of highly specialized areas where many SLPs receive little to no grad school training include:

• Orofacial Myology

• Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

• Pediatric Feeding Therapy

• Trach/Vent Communication

• Sensory Integration Strategies

• Gestalt Language Processing

  
  

So how do you know if the SLP you’re talking to has the real-world experience your child needs? I’ll give you a cheat sheet.

What to Ask Your SLP (Yes, It’s Okay to Ask!)

You’re not being “difficult.” You’re being diligent. You are hiring a specialist to help your child communicate, eat, connect, and thrive. You deserve to ask questions—and get clear answers.

Here are some questions you can ask:

• “Do you have specific training or experience in [your child’s need]?”

• “How many clients have you worked with in this area?”

• “What continuing education or certifications have you pursued in this specialty?”

• “How comfortable are you supporting children with [AAC, feeding needs, sensory needs, etc.]?”

• “Can you describe your approach to [feeding therapy, gestalt language processing, sensory-based therapy]?”

✨Pro Tip: If they seem defensive or dismissive, that’s a red flag. A strong therapist won’t be offended—they’ll be glad you’re asking.

Let’s Normalize Asking Questions

There’s a common misconception that if someone holds a license and works at a reputable clinic or school, they must be equipped to handle everything in their scope. But that’s just not the case—and it's okay to expect more.

You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for heart surgery. You shouldn’t expect an SLP with no feeding experience to tackle complex feeding issues either.

Closing Message

So here’s the big takeaway: Credentials matter—but they don’t tell the whole story. You have every right to ask about experience, approach, and training. You’re not interviewing them because you’re picky. You’re doing it because you’re invested.

And let’s be honest—if you’re a special needs parent, your brain is already juggling 7,000 tabs at once. So here’s your permission slip to ask the “hard” questions without guilt.

💬 Want help figuring out what to ask for your specific situation? Drop a question in the comments or reach out—I love helping parents feel more confident in this process.

And remember: the right SLP will not only have the skills—they’ll also support you in asking for them.

Now excuse me while I go label some folders, sip lukewarm coffee, and pretend I have it all together. 😉

Kayla

(SLP, Mom, Nature-Lover, Professional Wearer of Many Hats)

P.S. You don’t have to navigate this alone. The right support is out there—and I’m cheering you on while you find it.