What is Speech and Language Pathology ?
Speech and language pathology is a scientific field that includes assessment and management of communication (and feeding) eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties in neonatal to geriatric populations. Those who provide such services are known as Speech and Language Pathologists. Both the terms, Speech and Language Pathologist and Speech and Language Therapist, refer to the same health care professional, who engages in communication and swallowing interventions.
What do Speech and Language Pathologists do?
Speech and Language Pathologists assess, diagnose, provide interventions, and are actively involved in the management of speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing difficulties in a range from neonatal to geriatric population. They provide services for developmental and acquired conditions like:
• Speech and language delay
• Hearing Impairment
• Cleft lip and palate
• Voice disorders
• Stammering
• Phonological delays/ disorders
• Cognitive and social communication difficulties
• Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism, learning difficulty, Cerebral palsy).
• Behavioural issues
• Swallowing/feeding difficulties following structural impairments, neurodegenerative or neurological impairments. (e.g., Stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s disease, RTA, MND, Dementia, Cleft lip and palate, Oral cancer).
Speech and language pathologists work in collaboration with parents, care providers, and other professionals including doctors, allied health professionals, and teachers to support the clients in need of their services. They work in different settings such as hospitals, schools, and community centers.
