It's all about human communication! A speech pathologist assistant (SPA)
is a person trained to assist a speech pathologist, or speech-language pathologist
(SLP), in their work. The SPA basically performs a variety of duties under
the supervision of a speech pathologist.
An SPA helps the speech pathologist in the diagnosis and treatment of communicative
disorders in children and adults. Specific duties performed by an SPA will
vary depending on the position. They may include preparing materials and activities
for therapy, providing actual treatment, performing screening tests, using
computers and writing reports.
SPAs can also be known as communicative disorder assistants (CDAs). CDAs
are trained to work with audiologists as well.
"In a typical day, I am involved in meetings around planning the services
we offer, [and] meeting with counselors to answer questions regarding programming
and review data that's been collected," says Sara Bingham. She is a communicative
disorders assistant.
SPAs work in a variety of settings. These can include schools, clinics,
hospitals, day cares, long-term care facilities and other health-related institutions.
"There are opportunities in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, private practice,
[and] rehab centers, working with people of all ages and many different kinds
of speech deficits," says Tamara L. Crowson. She is a speech-language pathologist
assistant in Florida.
Most full-time SPAs work regular daytime business hours, Monday to Friday.
But like many occupations, there are always exceptions to this.
Being a speech pathologist assistant isn't normally a physically demanding
job. But it does have its moments. There can be an element of danger and there
can be injuries. Crowson says she's come up against some pretty tough customers.
"I have not seen or heard of any long-term injuries, but I have had kids
bite, hit, kick, [and] scratch," she says.
Bingham says this occupation can also stress you out. "Yes, the job at
times can be stressful and busy. It can also involve a lot of driving, working
in school boards and in the community. Can a physically challenged person
do this kind of work? I would say yes, depending on the challenge, the person
and the setting."