To think I can still be a good speech and language therapist?

[roseco]

I want to become a speech and language therapist, but I'm quite shy and quiet and I think I may be autistic. I'm not a parent myself but I'm quite good with my friends' children, as I'm very patient and gentle with how I interact which I think they're really receptive to.

I would love to become a paediatric speech and language therapist, as I remember so clearly struggling with social communication when I was younger. The idea of helping children with this really calls to me, and I think I would find it really fulfilling.

I just worry that my shyness/awkwardness may hold me back?

From my limited experience as parent of an autistic child who has speech therapy, you sound absolutely perfect for the job to me. Whether your shyness makes it too tricky for you is personal to you, and not something we can judge, but I would imagine you have a great deal to offer.

I think it sounds like a fascinating role, but I don't think I'm good enough with other people's children to do it.

I think that there are specified and mandatory qualifications needed and the job requirements are clearly stated. I guess you would need to work to gain them and also ask yourself if think your shyness/awkwardness would stop you getting them as well as actually doing the job. Shyness is difficult (I know!) but there are practical steps which might help somewhat. I do not think not having kids is a hinderance.

Saying this with respect but I think it's important to get a diagnosis rather than self diagnosis for autism. Are you taking any steps towards qualifying? I wish you well getting there it's an important and helpful career,

I was always extremely shy but have become more confident as I have got older and with more experience in my current roles

One of my child’s SLT was quite confident and loud whereas the other would be rather called shy and quiet. They both were good and had their strong sides. However at teen years quiet person worked better with my child , as it was less overwhelming, my child being shy and quiet herself felt more confident with her.

My autistic son would much prefer someone quiet and contained, he hates a fuss. I'd recommend seeking a diagnosis for yourself if you think you might be autistic.

I think you have many qualities that would make a good speech and language therapist. I say this as someone who quit teaching as it did not suit my personality. I am also quite quiet and introverted although not unhappy about it. I am also working towards becoming an SLT.

I would echo what someone else has said about seeking an official diagnosis rather than labeling yourself. I would also say it isn’t a disadvantage to be introverted but shy is different and suggests a lack of confidence and difficulty interacting with others. Many patients will respond well to your calmness but there will be times children aren’t cooperative and you will have to be, not strict perse but calm
and assertive. They are also qualities you will need for dealing with colleagues, managers etc.

It sounds like you have a great sense of empathy and are a very thoughtful person so make sure you understand the entry requirements and go for it!

It's not a problem if you are a quiet person, but if you actually have anxiety, then yes realistically that could hold you back.

I think you would be great at the work with children in 1 to 1 settings, but it's important to note that this isn't all a speech & language therapist does.

There will be professionals meetings where you'll have to speak up on behalf of children - sometimes it might be safeguarding related so really very important that you can talk in front of others. You will need to network within your profession and with other professionals as well, and communicate with parents/ families as well as children.

Sometimes you might have to deliver training or stand up and talk to groups of people. You will probably have to do this as part of your course, too.

You will need to learn the phonetic alphabet which involves practice and making silly sounds in front of other people, so that you can understand your vocal tract and how it all works.

When you are training you will probably have to work with adults as well as children, so you'd need to be OK with that for a short time on placements etc.

You could always see if you can get some experience, perhaps in a school (more likely to be able to help than an individual SLT), where they may have SLT's visiting and you might be able to help delivering communication interventions etc and see if you like it. But do think about the job from all angles and not just the bits where you're actually working with children. It's a full on career.

Being autistic would help you understand the autistic children who would come to you for assessment so definitely go for it.

I say this as the parent of ND kids, who have been assessed by SALT and the 121 assessment was hard for them (the SALT was great) so any kind of empathy and lived experience you can bring to the role would be really valuable.

Go for it

I echo what others said, being quiet should not hold you back.

Having just looked at different uni for SALT courses with DD, I'd say go and put your feelers out!
The course structure varies from university to university, so there should be something that is suitable for you. At the end, you'll sit a professional exam that is the same wherever you go.

I know, a few offer a degree apprenticeship, but that depends on the NHS trust working with the uni. Those places are really hard to get. But if you are already in a child or health care setting (or have training) you might have access an apprenticeship...

Completely agree with others, my children are autistic and we've seen various therapists and SLTs. Some have been shy and potentially ND and it absolutely was not an issue. If you feel drawn to it go for it

My dd had years of speech therapy. In all honesty the slt that she gelled with the most was the more outgoing types. I don't think this will be the case with all patients but in my dds case, she was very shy and therefore needed someone to bring her out of herself. She did have a very shy slt and to be honest the combination of two shy characters made the sessions very stunted and awkward.

I don't think you need to be a loud or extrovert personality necessarily but you do need the ability to make people feel at ease.

You have insight and motivation, these qualities would make you fantastic SLT.

there are all sorts of personalities within health care and diversity is an asset, as patients are themselves unique individuals....its having a think about how you can develop your confidence and skill set around any limitations or difficulties that might arise for you...eg.how would you feel having to stand up to an overbearing consultant or parent and advocate for your patient, how would you deal with a child in distress and take care of yourself in a stressful situation etc. I really recommend going and getting some SLT work experience and doing something like a public speaking course. Once you are qualified there are many, many different types of working environment so it can be easier then to steer your career into an area that suits you best.

Thank you all. I actually have a place on a SALT degree this year, I'll be starting next week and I think last minute nerves and imposter syndrome have me feeling nervous about starting and second-guessing whether I'm good enough.

I'm ok with speaking up in meetings and presenting when needed. I'll never be outgoing and loud, but I can speak up when needed.

Honestly, I think you sound like someone who would make a brilliant speech and language therapist!

I definitely think your worries are just your imposter syndrome talking. I promise you that you have nothing to worry about.

I’m a paediatric speech therapist 👋
I’m by no means extroverted and I am currently being tested for ADHD and can be very socially awkward.
I like to think I do a good job, and have been told so by parents and clients.

You sound brilliant for the job :) it’s by no means easy but I think you’ll be just fine