Which step should a speech language pathologist take first to assist students with social language difficulties in the workplace?

The first step a speech-language pathologist should take to support students facing social language difficulties in the workplace involves determining the communication demands of vocational settings. This foundational action helps the clinician understand the specific social communication skills required in various work environments, such as how to interact with coworkers, interpret non-verbal cues, or participate in team discussions.

By assessing the communication demands, the speech-language pathologist can tailor interventions directly to the needs of the individual. This includes identifying which job-related interactions are critical for success, such as reporting to a supervisor, collaborating with peers, or navigating hierarchical communication. It ensures that subsequent interventions, whether they be role-playing, script development, or social stories, are relevant and effective in addressing the challenges that arise in a specific work context. This step is essential as it guides all future strategies and facilitates a targeted approach to improving the student's social language abilities in a practical setting.