Speech-language pathologists, also referred to as speech therapists, assess, treat and help prevent speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, swallowing, fluency and other related disorders.
Speech-language pathologists work with children who cannot make speech sounds or cannot make them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering; children with voice quality problems, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems understanding and producing language; those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory and auditory processing disorders; and those with hearing loss who use hearing aids or cochlear implants in order to develop auditory skills and improve communication. They also work with children who have oral-motor weakness and feeding or swallowing difficulties.
Speech and language difficulties can result from a variety of causes including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, oral structural abnormalities, mental retardation, hearing impairment or emotional problems. Problems can be congenital, developmental or acquired. Speech-language pathologists use written and oral tests, as well as special instruments, to diagnose the nature and extent of impairment and to record and analyze speech, language and swallowing irregularities. 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 alternate communication methods, including automated devices and sign language and teach their use. They teach these individuals how to make sounds, improve their voices or increase their language skills to communicate more effectively. Speech-language pathologists help patients develop or recover reliable communication skills so patients can fulfill their educational, vocational and social roles.
