Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), also known as a speech therapist, is a professional who diagnoses and treats communication disorders and swallowing disorders. These disorders can be related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency.

Education and Training

In the United States, a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology is required to become a practicing SLP. The degree program must be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). In addition to the degree, a clinical fellowship year (CFY) is required, which is a period of supervised professional practice. After the CFY, the practitioner can apply for ASHA certification and state licensure.

Roles and Responsibilities

SLPs work with individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They diagnose and treat a variety of communication and swallowing disorders, including:

• Speech disorders: These include articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and motor speech disorders.
• Language disorders: These include receptive and expressive language disorders.
• Cognitive-communication disorders: These include problems with thinking, attention, memory, and problem-solving.
• Voice disorders: These include problems with pitch, volume, and quality of voice.
• Swallowing disorders: These include problems with eating and swallowing.

SLPs also play a role in the prevention of communication and swallowing disorders. They provide education and training to individuals and their families, as well as other professionals. They also conduct research related to communication sciences and disorders.

See Also

• Audiologist
• Occupational therapist
• Physical therapist

Speech-Language Pathologist Resources
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