Let's communicate. That is what speech language pathologists help people do. I am Nicole Aaron, let's go meet a language expert.
[ Music ] That is how Donna Wexler describes her job as a speech language pathologist she diagnosis and treats kids with all sorts of speech problems.
Articulation and language and social communication are primarily the three areas.
Pediatric speech pathologists improve kid's language skills using games.
Bird and t-rex.
Bird and T-rex, I don't have it.
Oh, I have it.
Oh, cool. And books.
What does it say next on there?
Story.
Story.
Why these exercises seem simple, trust me, it is harder than it looks.
[ Laughter ]
Okay.
Speech pathologists also help correct swelling problems.
A lot of our children with autism have aversions to foods, difficulties with different textures.
Treatment doesn't end with the patient. Speech pathologists counsel family members.
I have had a lot of mommies and dads sitting on the beanbag chairs crying and telling me what their concerns are.
It is emotional, hard work, but Donna says the rewards are worth it.
Give me a high-five that was awesome.
So what does a typical workweek for a student just coming out of school?
Well it would depend upon the setting that they are working in, but if they were in a school for example, they would probably work from 7:30 to 3. If they are working in a hospital, it could be a 9 to 5 job.
So, what kind of schooling goes into becoming a pathologist?
Right now, the requirement is to have a master's degree.
Once you have your degree, you have to pass the state exam and become certified in the state you want to practice. Baby boomers are getting older and since with age comes speech problems, business is booming for speech pathologists. Pay is increasing too.
Right now, the general area of charge for an hour of speech language therapy is between 100 and 130 dollars an hour.
Annually expect to earn about 53,000 dollars.
What kind of person would enjoy being a speech pathologist?
Well it would be someone who enjoys being with people and who likes to talk of course, having a creative bent would also be helpful.
Even stars need speech helps, as kids, actress Julia Roberts and golf pro Tiger Woods, both battled stuttering problems. Benji, will you show me? What are you doing?
[Inaudible].
Oh, you are ignoring us. I hope you enjoyed learning about speech pathology. I know we did, right Benji, yes. I am Nicole Aaron for YouniversityTV. Say goodbye Benji. Can you say goodbye?
Goodbye.
Good job.
[ Music ]
