Have you ever encountered someone who is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with their voice or resonance? Speech Pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech disorders. Read this article to learn more about the field of speech pathology.
Speech Pathology focuses on a range of human communication and swallowing disorders that affect affect people of all ages. Speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders are all related to Speech Pathology. The introduction to each category of disorders is taken directly from SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org.
Speech Disorders: Occur when an individual has difficulty producing speech sounds correctly or fluently.
Language Disorders: Occur when individuals have difficulty understanding others, sharing thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and/or using language in functional and socially appropriate ways.
Social Communication Disorders: Occur when individuals have trouble with the social aspect of verbal and nonverbal communication, as do many individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
Cognitive-Communication Disorders: Occur when individuals have difficulties paying attention, planning, problem-solving, or organizing their thoughts. Many times, these disorders occur as a result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or dementia
Swallowing Disorders: Occur when individuals have difficulty eating and swallowing. Swallowing disorders are often a result of an illness, injury, or stroke.
The practice of Speech Pathology includes those who want to learn how to communicate more effectively, such as those who want to work an accent modification or improve their communication skills. It also includes the treatment of people with tracheostomies and ventilators.
Moreover, Speech Pathologists are highly trained clinicians who work amongst a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of professionals. They develop and implement treatment plans, document patient care and write reports, order, conduct, and evaluate related language tests and examinations, educate patients and families, etc. Ultimately, their job includes advocacy, research, supervision, consultation, etc.
Hope this article helped you learn more about Speech Pathology. Thanks for reading!
Written by: Benetta Wang
Sources:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “The Profession of Speech-Language Pathology.” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, www.asha.org/students/speech-language-pathology. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.
Speech Pathology Degrees, Find an Online SLP Program. “What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist? | SLP Explained.” Speech Pathology Degrees | Find an Online SLP Program | Ready to Start Your SLP Career? Earn Your Degree in Speech-Language Pathology by Finding an Online SLP Master’s Program. Discover New Career Paths, Licensing Requirements & Certifications., 21 Sept. 2021,
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