What is a speech-language pathologist

(And how they help struggling readers.)

When you hear the term speech-language pathologist (or SLP), you might think of someone who helps children pronounce sounds or overcome speech delays.

That’s true, but it’s only part of the story.

At Ravinia Reading Center, every lesson is taught by a certified speech-language pathologist because their expertise goes far beyond speech. SLPs are trained in how the brain processes language, and that makes them uniquely qualified to help children who struggle with reading, writing, and comprehension.

What does a speech-language pathologist do?

A speech-language pathologist is a licensed clinician who evaluates, diagnoses, and treats communication and language disorders. Their work includes:

• Helping children develop clear speech sounds.

• Strengthening vocabulary and grammar.

• Improving listening comprehension and expressive language.

• Supporting reading, writing, and spelling, all of which depend on strong language skills.

SLPs work in schools, clinics, and private practices. At Ravinia Reading Center, they specialize in reading intervention, where their background in language makes a powerful difference.

How language and reading are connected

Reading isn’t just about recognizing letters; it’s about understanding language.

Strong readers:

• Hear and manipulate sounds (phonemic awareness).

• Connect letters to sounds (phonics).

• Understand sentence structure and meaning (syntax and semantics).

These are all language-based skills, and SLPs are experts in assessing and developing them. When a child struggles to read, an SLP can identify why — whether it’s a sound-processing issue, vocabulary gap, or difficulty connecting spoken and written language.

Why SLPs are ideal for reading intervention

Here’s what makes an SLP’s approach different from a general tutor or reading specialist:

• Clinical training: SLPs hold master’s degrees and are licensed to diagnose and treat language-based learning differences like dyslexia.

• Evidence-based methods: They use structured literacy and the Science of Reading - not guesswork or memorization.

• Whole-child understanding: SLPs consider how attention, memory, and emotion affect learning.

• Individualized instruction: No scripted programs - every session is customized to the child’s needs.

This combination of science, language expertise, and compassion creates lasting results.

How Ravinia Reading Center uses SLP expertise

At Ravinia Reading Center, every lesson is:

• Taught one-on-one by a certified speech-language pathologist.

• Grounded in evidence-based methods, integrating phonology, morphology, and etymology.

• Focused on measurable growth - from decoding to comprehension to confidence.

Families often tell us that the difference is clear. Their child isn’t just reading better - they finally understand how reading works.

When to seek help from an SLP

If your child:

• Struggles to sound out words or remember sight words.

• Has strong verbal skills but weak reading or spelling.

• Avoids reading homework or loses confidence around books.

…it might be time to consult a speech-language pathologist.

The earlier intervention begins, the faster children can build the skills and the self-belief they need to succeed.

Take the next step

If you suspect your child’s reading challenges are rooted in language, we can help.

Book time with one of our certified speech-language pathologists. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding your child back and create a plan for progress.