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National Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) Appreciation Day

Experts in communication development, these professionals empower individuals to express themselves with clarity and confidence.

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Celebrate and recognize speech-language pathologists as essential healthcare professionals while driving awareness of SLP services and professional development opportunities.

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Thank an SLP in your life—share their impact story on social media
Host or promote SLP awareness seminars and appreciation events in May
Highlight the vital role SLPs play in helping children and adults overcome communication challenges
Partner with ASHA or local SLP organizations to reach professionals and families seeking services

History

The field of speech-language pathology in the United States dates back more than a century, to the early 1900s when they were originally called “speech correctionists.”

The American Academy of Speech Correction was founded in 1925, and the name was changed in 1978 to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

It was 2010 when the first official recognition of this day took place, originally known as “National Speech Pathologist Day.”

In the more than a decade since its founding, the day has evolved to include the “language” portion of this aspect of service, which encompasses help for individuals and families, support groups, information for the general public, and more.

National Speech and Language Pathologist Appreciation Day is here to shine a much-deserved spotlight on these people who play such an important role in the lives of so many. And it’s a day to raise public awareness about SLPs and communication health!

How to celebrate

Thank a Speech-Language Pathologist

One excellent way to celebrate this day is to show support and appreciation to a Speech-Language Pathologist. Whether the SLP is a colleague, friend, family member, or support worker, National SLP Appreciation Day is a wonderful time to pay special attention to thanking them for what they do and the support they show to individuals and families in their local community and beyond. Say thank you with a card, an email, a phone call, or a small gift to express how much this wonderful SLP means to you. This day serves as a strong reminder to recognize the commitment and support provided by so many SLPs who may otherwise go unnoticed or underappreciated throughout the year.

Attend Awareness Events

Different organizations that educate, employ, or support SLPs may host events that include seminars, appreciation gatherings, awards presentations, or other types. National Speech and Language Pathologist Appreciation Day is an ideal time to attend an event to learn more about the vital role these professionals play in the lives of children and adults who need help overcoming various speech, language, and communication challenges. Understand More About Speech and Language PathologistsGet connected and participate in National Speech and Language Pathologist Appreciation Day by learning and sharing some different facts to raise awareness for the day. Check out some of these important roles of SLPs to get started with:SLPs can help with physical problems such as swallowing (dysphagia)SLPs may assist people who want to reduce an accentSLPs provide vital help for those who are overcoming the effects of a strokeSLPs may help people who have had traumatic brain injuries National Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) Appreciation Day FAQsWhat is the difference between speech, language, and communication in speech-language pathology? In speech-language pathology, “speech” refers to how sounds are produced using the mouth, tongue, and vocal cords; “language” refers to the words, grammar, and meaning people use to share ideas; and “communication” is the broader ability to send and receive messages using speech, language, gestures, writing, or augmentative tools. Understanding these distinctions helps families recognize that a person might have difficulty with sound production but not with understanding words or may understand language well but struggle to express it clearly. What kinds of conditions can a speech-language pathologist help with besides stuttering or lisping? Speech-language pathologists work with a wide range of needs beyond common sound errors. They help people with language delays and disorders, social communication difficulties, voice problems, aphasia after stroke, cognitive-communication problems from brain injury or dementia, fluency disorders, and feeding and swallowing issues known as dysphagia. They also support people with developmental conditions such as autism, hearing loss, and genetic syndromes that affect communication. How does speech and language therapy actually help the brain change? Speech and language therapy uses structured practice, feedback, and repetition to help the brain build new pathways or strengthen existing ones, a process known as neuroplasticity. For example, after a stroke or brain injury, targeted language or swallowing exercises can recruit other brain regions to take over damaged functions. In children, early intervention can shape how developing brain networks organize skills like sound awareness, vocabulary, and social communication, which can lead to long-term gains in academic and social outcomes. What is the difference between a speech-language pathologist and a speech therapist or speech and language therapist? “Speech-language pathologist,” “speech therapist,” and “speech and language therapist” are closely related titles that vary by country and workplace. In the United States and Canada, “speech-language pathologist” is the preferred professional title and typically requires a graduate degree and licensure. In the United Kingdom and several other countries, the equivalent role is called a “speech and language therapist.” In everyday conversation, many people say “speech therapist,” but the scope usually includes both speech and language as well as broader communication and swallowing. How early should a child be seen if there are concerns about speech or language development? Many professional organizations recommend seeking an evaluation as soon as a caregiver has concerns, even in the toddler years, rather than waiting to see if a child “grows out of it.” Red flags can include not babbling by about 12 months, saying few or no words by 18 months, not combining words by around 24 months, or having difficulty following simple directions. Early assessment allows speech-language pathologists to determine whether a delay is part of typical variation or whether intervention could help prevent later difficulties with literacy and learning. Do adults benefit from speech and language therapy even years after a stroke or brain injury? Adults can often benefit from speech and language therapy long after a stroke or brain injury, although progress may be slower than in the early months. Research indicates that people with aphasia and other communication disorders can continue to make meaningful gains in language, speech clarity, and communication strategies with well-designed therapy and home practice, even in the chronic phase. Therapy may focus on restoring skills, teaching compensatory techniques such as using keywords or gestures, and training families or caregivers to support everyday communication. How do speech-language pathologists support people who cannot rely on speech at all? For individuals who cannot meet their daily communication needs using speech alone, speech-language pathologists assess, select, and train people to use augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC. This can range from simple picture boards and communication books to high-tech speech-generating devices and apps. SLPs work with families, schools, and caregivers to integrate AAC into daily routines so that the person can participate in conversation, education, work, and community life as independently as possible.

FAQ

What is the difference between speech, language, and communication in speech-language pathology?

In speech-language pathology, “speech” refers to how sounds are produced using the mouth, tongue, and vocal cords; “language” refers to the words, grammar, and meaning people use to share ideas; and “communication” is the broader ability to send and receive messages using speech, language, gestures, writing, or augmentative tools. Understanding these distinctions helps families recognize that a person might have difficulty with sound production but not with understanding words or may understand language well but struggle to express it clearly.

What kinds of conditions can a speech-language pathologist help with besides stuttering or lisping?

Speech-language pathologists work with a wide range of needs beyond common sound errors. They help people with language delays and disorders, social communication difficulties, voice problems, aphasia after stroke, cognitive-communication problems from brain injury or dementia, fluency disorders, and feeding and swallowing issues known as dysphagia. They also support people with developmental conditions such as autism, hearing loss, and genetic syndromes that affect communication.

How does speech and language therapy actually help the brain change?

Speech and language therapy uses structured practice, feedback, and repetition to help the brain build new pathways or strengthen existing ones, a process known as neuroplasticity. For example, after a stroke or brain injury, targeted language or swallowing exercises can recruit other brain regions to take over damaged functions. In children, early intervention can shape how developing brain networks organize skills like sound awareness, vocabulary, and social communication, which can lead to long-term gains in academic and social outcomes.

What is the difference between a speech-language pathologist and a speech therapist or speech and language therapist?

“Speech-language pathologist,” “speech therapist,” and “speech and language therapist” are closely related titles that vary by country and workplace. In the United States and Canada, “speech-language pathologist” is the preferred professional title and typically requires a graduate degree and licensure. In the United Kingdom and several other countries, the equivalent role is called a “speech and language therapist.” In everyday conversation, many people say “speech therapist,” but the scope usually includes both speech and language as well as broader communication and swallowing.

How early should a child be seen if there are concerns about speech or language development?

Many professional organizations recommend seeking an evaluation as soon as a caregiver has concerns, even in the toddler years, rather than waiting to see if a child “grows out of it.” Red flags can include not babbling by about 12 months, saying few or no words by 18 months, not combining words by around 24 months, or having difficulty following simple directions. Early assessment allows speech-language pathologists to determine whether a delay is part of typical variation or whether intervention could help prevent later difficulties with literacy and learning.

Do adults benefit from speech and language therapy even years after a stroke or brain injury?

Adults can often benefit from speech and language therapy long after a stroke or brain injury, although progress may be slower than in the early months. Research indicates that people with aphasia and other communication disorders can continue to make meaningful gains in language, speech clarity, and communication strategies with well-designed therapy and home practice, even in the chronic phase. Therapy may focus on restoring skills, teaching compensatory techniques such as using keywords or gestures, and training families or caregivers to support everyday communication.

How do speech-language pathologists support people who cannot rely on speech at all?

For individuals who cannot meet their daily communication needs using speech alone, speech-language pathologists assess, select, and train people to use augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC. This can range from simple picture boards and communication books to high-tech speech-generating devices and apps. SLPs work with families, schools, and caregivers to integrate AAC into daily routines so that the person can participate in conversation, education, work, and community life as independently as possible.