Helpful Advice for Navigating College With a Speech Disorder

Preparing for college and getting through the higher levels of education can be stressful enough, but sometimes, we can feel inhibited by certain conditions. For people operating with a speech disorder, there could be hurdles that are made more stressful by workload or the environment they’re learning in. Here are some tips to help navigate college if you are dealing with a speech disorder, or are the loved one of a student who is looking to overcome certain struggles with their linguistics.

Seeking Speech Therapy

A speech disorder or communication disorder can impact a college student’s social skills or inhibit their abilities when it comes to reading and writing. In some cases, underlying issues such as a neurological disorder, an autism diagnosis, or other medical problems may cause communication difficulty. Whether a student is struggling with pronunciation, has difficulty with specific sounds, or has an expressive language disorder, virtual speech therapy offers a chance to correct these complications with a combination of direct teletherapy appointments that put the emphasis on fun while learning.

With data-driven speech therapy, students of any age can accomplish better speech. A speech-language pathologist (SLP or CCC-SLP) may develop different speech therapy service treatment plans to help a student improve their communication skills based on their current skillset. For some, stress enflames issues with speech patterns. For incoming college students, an online college advisor can help reduce some of the stress brought on by the application process. This can help prospective students stay ahead of deadlines for admissions.

Stress and Speech Disorders

As mentioned, stress can have a significant impact on those dealing with a speech or communication disorder. While speech-language therapy can help to alleviate some of that stress, there are outlets that college students can turn to in order to quell those feelings. Building language skills can be enhanced by exhibiting those skills in a familiar environment where you feel a safe space. This will give a student great pride in knowing that speech therapy is having an impact on achieving their goals.

There are a lot of great stress remedies out there that don’t have to break the bank for some students. For people of all ages, a good night’s sleep can help to relax the mind and alleviate some stressors throughout the day. If you feel the stress building up, it’s important to attempt an early intervention by stepping outside for a walk, or getting some exercise if you can do so. If you’re in class, don’t hesitate to step outside the study hall to get a quick breath and then return to your studies. Don’t let your communication problems get the better of what you like to do by taking away from what you enjoy the most.

College Resources

The good news for students who are bracing for college, or find themselves currently pursuing a degree, is that their college has resources to help them address their primary impairments. Counselors are available to direct students to speech therapy and language pathology services on campus or nearby that may be able to help them achieve their academic goals. A high school student entering a university may feel more apt to attend a school if a college admissions counselor alerts them to these available resources or online programs.

Accessibility through a speech therapist gives incoming students and current students alike peace of mind in knowing their college plans can be better assisted by these therapy services. Students shouldn’t hesitate to ask an admissions officer about these resources during the interview process or while exploring campuses to determine the next step in their higher education journey. After all, a speech disorder is by no means what determines your future achievement.