Speech-Language Pathologist
At Mary Free Bed Kids, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help kids build the foundation for successful communication and participation at home and in the community. From cognition and communication skills to safe swallowing, our team of speech-language pathologists provides essential support as kids grow and learn.
Why Mary Free Bed Kids?
As a CARF-Accredited Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, we provide expert, family-centered care designed to support the best possible recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation is essential after illness, injury, or surgery, and research consistently shows that beginning specialized care early can significantly improve a child’s progress.
Our accredited programs, seasoned clinical teams, and compassionate approach ensure that children and families receive the highest standard of support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital holds a number of special accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This voluntary but rigorous accreditation process is based on specific and comprehensive standards ensuring the highest-quality rehabilitation.
CARF is an independent organization dedicated to providing reliable information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Consumers and medical professionals collaborate to develop the leading-edge standards by which providers are measured.
Speech-Language Pathologist: Your Voice in Therapy
Speech-language pathologists can be a key component of your child’s rehabilitation journey. A speech-language pathologist works with your child, your family and the rest of the pediatric care team to provide personalized therapy plans that support swallowing, feeding, and language development.
Our speech-language pathologists help kids build the skills they need to thrive at home, at school and with their peers.
What is a speech-language pathologist?
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a health care professional who uses specialized training to help kids build confidence and communication skills. Communication challenges can impact mental health, development and relationships with peers.
By working with an SLP, kids can build the foundation for long-term health.
What does a speech-language pathologist do?
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) works with kids, their families and treatment teams to develop a personalized treatment plan to facilitate effective communication.
Speech-language pathologists accomplish this through:
Comprehensive Evaluation
Using speech, language and cognitive evaluations, speech-language pathologists will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your child’s goals and strengths.
Family-Centered Approach
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our approach to care is family-centered. You’ll be invited to participate in your child’s speech therapy sessions. Our speech-language pathologists will help you incorporate therapy into your existing routines.
Myofunctional Therapy
Speech-language pathologists use myofunctional therapy to train mouth and face muscles to support the respiratory system and safe swallowing.
Therapy Designed for Kids
Sessions take place in a kid-friendly space, complete with child-sized equipment.
Collaborative Care:
Speech-language pathologists are just one piece of a multidisciplinary team including physiatrists and other clinicians.
Who can a speech-language pathologist help?
Speech-language pathologists work with kids who may have:
- Brain injury or post-concussion
- Spinal cord injury
- Neurological disorders
- Stroke
- Developmental delay
- Cerebral palsy and similar neuromotor disorders
- Feeding or swallowing difficulties
- A need for assistive communication supports
- Orthopedic or amputation-related conditions
Where Speech-Language Pathologists Fit in Your Child’s Care Team
Speech-language pathologists are part of a multidisciplinary care team, which means many professionals work together to help your child reach their goals.
Your child’s speech-language pathologist may work alongside:
- Physiatrists
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Behavior analysts
- Dietitians
- Neuropsychologists (as needed)
Each member of your child’s care team brings unique skills that support their recovery. The team meets regularly to discuss progress and adjust therapy plans as your child gains confidence and independence.
How can a speech-language pathologist support rehabilitation?
Speech-language pathologists support kids as they navigate:
Speech and Language Delays
Speech-language pathologists help kids address speech and language delays. Speech therapy sessions can address specific needs like articulation, fluency or expressive language.
Swallowing or Feeding Difficulties
Speech-language pathologists can address feeding difficulties including oral-motor aversions and dysphagia.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Speech-language pathologists can help kids find the right augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to best support their communication.
Cognitive-Communication Difficulties
Neurological conditions can impact memory, attention and comprehension. Speech-language pathologists can work with kids to improve their memory, problem-solving and language comprehension.
Why Choose Our Speech-Language Pathologists
At Mary Free Bed Kids, speech-language pathologists work with kids and their families to build the foundation for a lifetime of communication.
Choosing our speech-language pathologist means:
- Expert support for kids of all ages
- Personalized therapy plans tailored to your child’s needs and your family’s goals
- Collaboration with your child’s rehabilitation team
- Family and caregiver education
Ready to Get Started With Mary Free Bed?
Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small.
Our Locations
Great Lakes Bay Region
Northern Michigan
Southwest Michigan
West Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Indiana
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