6 Things I Wish I Had Known When I Was Studying To Be A Speech Therapist

Studying to become a speech therapist is exciting, but there are some things that university just can’t fully prepare you for. Now that I’ve been working in the field for a while, I often think back to my student days and wish I had known a few key things earlier. If you're a parent wondering what speech therapists do and what our journey looks like, this blog will give you a little insight.

1. Therapy Is About More Than Just Talking

When I first started studying, I thought speech therapy was mostly about helping people pronounce sounds correctly. While that’s part of what we do, speech therapy is so much broader. We help children with language development, social communication, literacy skills, stuttering, and even feeding difficulties.

Some children need help understanding what words mean or learning how to put sentences together. Others might struggle to interact with their friends, understand stories, or use an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device. Speech therapy is about communication in all its forms, not just spoken words!

2. Parents And Caregivers Are the Key To Progress

At university, we spent a lot of time learning therapy techniques, assessment tools, and intervention strategies. But one of the biggest things I’ve learned in practice is that parents and caregivers are the real game-changers.

A child might see a speech therapist for 45 minutes a week, but they spend so much more time at home, at school, and in the community. The best progress happens when families are actively involved—practising new skills at home, using strategies in everyday routines, and feeling confident in how to support their child’s communication. That’s why I always focus on working closely with families, not just the child.

3. Every Child’s Progress Looks Different

In university, we learned about goals and therapy plans, but real-life therapy doesn’t always follow a straight path. Some children pick up new skills quickly, while others need more time and repetition. Progress isn’t just about getting to the end goal—it’s about celebrating the little wins along the way.

Every child is unique, and their therapy journey will look different. Some might only need support for a few months, while others benefit from ongoing therapy over several years. And that’s okay! The important thing is that they’re making progress in a way that works for them and their family.

4. ‘LessonPix’ Is A Game-Changer For Visuals

One of the most valuable tools I’ve discovered since becoming a speech therapist is LessonPix. It’s an amazing resource that allows therapists (and parents) to create custom visuals, picture cards, and communication boards quickly and easily.

At university, we learned the importance of visuals in supporting children’s communication, but I had no idea there was a tool that could make creating them so simple. I wish I had known about it earlier—it would have saved me so much time!

5. ‘Teachers Pay Teachers’ Has Fantastic Resources

When I was a student, I spent hours trying to create therapy activities from scratch. If only I had known about Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) earlier! This website is full of ready-made speech therapy resources created by professionals.

From articulation games to language activities and literacy supports, TPT has so many high-quality materials that can make therapy sessions more engaging and effective. It’s a great resource not just for therapists but for parents looking for fun ways to practise communication skills at home.

6. ‘Eliciting Sounds’ By Wayne A. Secord Is A Must-Have Book

One of the trickiest parts of being a speech therapist is knowing how to help children produce sounds they’re struggling with. At university, we learned the basics of articulation therapy, but I wish I had known about Eliciting Sounds by Wayne A. Secord back then. This book is like a goldmine for speech therapists. It breaks down how to help children produce different speech sounds, offering clear strategies and cues. If you’re a new therapist (or even a parent curious about how we help children with speech), this is a fantastic resource.

Studying to be a speech therapist taught me a lot, but real-life experience has taught me even more. If you’re a parent starting your child’s speech therapy journey, know that you’re an important part of the process. With the right support, patience, and teamwork, your child can build their communication skills in a way that works for them.

Want to know more about how speech therapy can help? Get in touch—we’d love to chat!

Remember to be kind and share joy!

-            Allanah (speech therapist)