As an SLP practicing in the schools for about 10 years, I always find it disheartening to receive reports from other SLPs working in hospitals or private practice that outline recommendations that don’t consider the difference between clinical and school-based services.

I find it insulting and, frankly, disrespectful that these SLPs think their recommendations are more appropriate than mine. I would never tell these clinicians how to do their jobs. Why do they tell me how to do mine? I work with these students and families on a day-to-day basis, know their teachers, their other therapists, and their paraprofessionals, and I know how we all work as a team. I also know our school district’s exit and entrance criteria.

The clinicians from whom I receive reports do not, and typically make no attempt to do so. I urge clinicians in the hospital or private practice setting to do their due diligence when making these recommendations to parents, and find out what their school program looks like. Or, make your therapy recommendations relevant to your facility, not mine. We are all professionals in the same field, and should treat each other with the professional respect we all deserve.