Redefining Speech Pathology: Strategies for a Fuller Life With Lauren Schwabish | District Speech & Language Therapy

Lauren Schwabish is a speech pathologist and the Owner of Neuro Speech Services, a private practice based in northern Virginia. With a commitment to enhancing communication abilities and improving the quality of life for her clients, Lauren has established herself as a leader in the field of speech pathology. Over the years, she has accumulated extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children with developmental disorders, adults recovering from strokes, and individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to her clinical work, Lauren is a sought-after speaker and educator who regularly conducts workshops and training sessions for fellow professionals.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[1:17] Lauren Schwabish shares her philosophy on neurogenic disorders
[1:44] Strategies for helping adults cope with functioning issues related to ADHD
[4:06] Understanding emotional regulation as an aspect of function and learning strategies
[5:20] The significance of person-centered therapy in treatment and life participation
[8:12] Lauren explains aphasia and its impact on communication
[10:35] Challenges families face with loved ones’ neurodegenerative impairments
[13:29] How therapists tailor therapy to match patients’ goals and motivations
[15:11] Lauren’s career journey and what led her to become a speech pathologist
[37:37] Exploring interests and activities that support well-being outside work

In this episode…

Redefining treatment strategies to serve adults with acquired neurogenic cognitive-communication deficits is essential for fostering a fuller, more meaningful life. This approach focuses on individuals who have experienced conditions such as stroke, concussion, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cognitive impairment, and ADHD. The mission is to provide person-centered care that addresses each individual’s unique needs and goals.

Speech pathologist Lauren Schwabish explains the heart of this approach is understanding the person behind the diagnosis. A life participation approach can be implemented by identifying what is important to each individual. This means tailoring therapy to address specific deficits — word finding, conversation skills, memory, emotional regulation, or organization — while always focusing on the person’s desired outcomes.

In this episode of EspecIallY “SpeciAl” SpeeCh!!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel welcome Lauren Schwabish, speech pathologist and Owner of Neuro Speech Services, to discuss person-centered care in speech pathology. Lauren explores the dynamics of addressing aphasia, strategies for executive functioning and emotional regulation, and the importance of connecting to clients’ identities and life goals.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Quotable Moments

“Emotional regulation is sort of like a first step. And that is also an executive function.”
“I am not the expert — the clients are. We are partners.”
“You can order a seed mix, and you can do pollinator mix with perennials that will grow back year after year.”
“It’s all about trying to keep going because they have a long trajectory.”
“I’m gonna do the best that I can with what I have in my hands.”

Action Steps

Engage in gardening: Lauren highlights gardening as an activity that promotes mindfulness and supports brain health.
Seek person-centric care: If you are dealing with a communication disorder, look for a therapist who focuses on person-centered therapy tailored to your life and goals.
Connect with support groups: For those impacted by aphasia or other communication disorders, participate in support groups such as the National Aphasia Association to find community and shared experiences.
Invest in continuing education: Clinicians should always learn, as Lauren does, by staying up-to-date with the latest educational resources and techniques for effective therapy.
Advocate for underrepresented communities: Take inspiration from Lauren’s involvement with “A Purposeful Day” and find ways to support or establish programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by District Speech & Language Therapy, SnapHappy Photos, and Speechfully.

District Speech & Language Therapy’s team of licensed speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication disorders, while Speechfully offers digital marketing and practice management solutions for speech-language pathology clinics. Both companies were founded by Jennifer Branchini, a CCC-SLP.

SnapHappy Photos is a team of professional photographers helping individuals and organizations brand themselves and their companies.

To learn more and contact the teams, visit District Speech & Language Therapy, SnapHappy Photos, and Speechfully.