Talking about speech therapy

As a junior speech and language therapist, Caymanian Janelle Syms has followed her passion for helping others, especially children.

Recently qualified and now working with the HSA’s therapy services department on West Bay Road, her caseload is mainly paediatric patients, ranging from 18 months to 16 years old, as well as some adult patients.

“As a speech therapist, my scope is quite broad, so I currently treat developmental disorders (autism, language delays, receptive and expressive language disorders, and fluency, to name a few), as well as completing swallow assessments for inpatients at the main campus,” she says.

‘AHA’ MOMENT

Originally, Janelle had planned to pursue a career as a teacher but halfway through her undergraduate degree she had the opportunity to intern at the same department in which she now works.

“During my first observation of a treatment session, it was like an ‘aha’ moment of wanting to do this for the rest of my life,” she says. “My interest within teaching focused on the language development side, and with speech and language therapy, I get to work with children and my area of interest.”

No two days are the same for Janelle as a speech and language therapist.

“Having the opportunity to support the development of little minds has been such an amazing experience,” she says. “Seeing small progress (which is actually big progress in the grand scheme of things), as well as the reactions of parents and loved ones in response, is such a fulfilling feeling.”

STUDIES

Janelle, 25, studied in the UK at the University of Essex, where she graduated with a master of science (with distinction) in speech language therapy, and Liverpool Hope University, where she gained her bachelor of arts (with honours) in early childhood and education.

She describes her experience of studying during the COVID-19 pandemic as challenging, with patient-facing sessions being restricted.

However, events turned in Janelle’s favour when due to the restrictions, she was given the opportunity to complete her paediatric clinical placements in Cayman. This delighted her as she knew she wanted to practise locally once her studies were complete.

Final qualification was dependent on successful completion of the course (academic and placement criteria), and subject to acceptance by The Health and Care Professions Council in the UK, as well as being licensed by Cayman’s Council for Professions Allied in Medicine.

She received the acceptance from both bodies by November 2022 and was practising as a speech language therapist on-island shortly thereafter.

ENCOURAGING OTHERS

Now, she is encouraging other young Caymanians to consider a career in the healthcare sector.

“Caymanians are significantly underrepresented in the healthcare sector,” she says. “Our knowledge and experience as Caymanians have a special importance when it comes to understanding the underlying values and nuances that culture holds.

“Don’t get discouraged by the obstacles that may come along the way. You are needed within the field and there are so many (people) cheering for you, and willing to provide tangible support and mentorship along the way to help you achieve the career that you are passionate about.”

WHAT IS SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY?

This therapy is the assessment and treatment for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing.