Speech Pathologits

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“Speech-Language Pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to

prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency.

Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot:

produce speech sounds or cannot produce them clearly
those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering
people with voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice
those with problems understanding and producing language
those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent
people with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders
people who have swallowing difficulties

Speech, language, and swallowing difficulties can result from a variety of causes including stroke, brain injury

or deterioration, developmental delays or disorders, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, voice

pathology, mental retardation, hearing loss, or emotional problems. Problems can be congenital, developmental,

or acquired. Speech-language pathologists use special instruments and qualitative and quantitative assessment

methods, including standardized tests, to analyze and diagnose the nature and extent of impairments. Speech-

language pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each patient’s needs. For individuals with

little or no speech capability, speech-language pathologists may select augmentative or alternative

communication methods, including automated devices and sign language, and teach their use. They teach patients

how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their oral or written language skills to communicate more

effectively. They also teach individuals how to strengthen muscles or use compensatory strategies to swallow

without choking or inhaling food or liquid. Speech-language pathologists help patients develop, or recover, reliable

communication and swallowing skills so patients can fulfill their educational, vocational, and social roles. Speech-

language pathologists keep records on the initial evaluation, progress, and discharge of clients. This helps pinpoint

problems, tracks client progress, and justifies the cost of treatment when applying for reimbursement. They

counsel individuals and their families concerning communication disorders and how to cope with the stress

and misunderstanding that often accompany them. They also work with family members to recognize and

change behavior patterns that impede communication and treatment and show them communication-

enhancing techniques to use at home.

Most speech-language pathologists provide direct clinical services to individuals with communication or swallowing

disorders. In medical facilities, they may perform their job in conjunction with physicians, social workers,

psychologists, and other therapists. Speech-language pathologists in schools collaborate with teachers, special

educators, interpreters, other school personnel, and parents to develop and implement individual or group

programs, provide counseling, and support classroom activities. Some speech-language pathologists conduct

research on how people communicate. Others design and develop equipment or techniques for diagnosing and

treating speech problems.”

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