What is Speech Pathology?

 

Speech pathology is a discipline that involves the diagnosis and treatment of all disorders related to communication and swallowing. It encompasses articulation, voice, fluency and language.

Speech pathologists can work with people with difficulties arising from developmental delays, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, dementia, hearing loss and other problems that can affect communication. They can also assist people who have difficulties with swallowing. Another area of speech pathology is augmentative and alternate communication (AAC) which helps people who are unable to speak to have a method of communication.  

Using assessment tools speech pathologist can diagnose particular difficulties and determine strengths to build upon during treatment. They then devise a specific treatment plan to improve communication or swallowing for everyday life situations. Some specific areas that speech pathologists can assist with include:

• Early language / late talkers

• Articulation

• Stuttering

• Voice disorders e.g. nodules

• Listening and attention

• Phonology

• Literacy

• Written language

• Social skills

• Preschool – school aged language (comprehension and expression)

• School readiness

• Helping students with autism to communicate effectively