From birth to five, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a professional who may have regular contact with families of young children. Families served to have a caregiver(s) that are in a perinatal (time during pregnancy and early weeks after birth) and or postpartum (birth onward to at least 12 months) period. This could be for the first time or many times over. Per a family-centered ecological theory lens, it is relevant for an SLP to be educated on perinatal mental health symptoms and supportive resources in order to best support and collaborate with the adult(s) in a child’s immediate environments. This is to ensure a child’s linguistic environment is optimal to ensure progress towards their established communication goals. As healthcare professionals who work with children and their families, oftentimes their mothers, and oftentimes in the family home per the guidance of IDEA Part-C, we have a unique vantage point of service provision as well as a relationship with a child’s adult to support them with their mental health. With increased awareness and education about the range of disorders, their symptoms, and various available treatments, SLPs can be advocates and sources of community resources for perinatal mental health.
