Speech Language Pathologist Facts

Speech Language Pathologist Facts

What Does A Speech Language Pathologist Do?

A common misconception is that Speech Pathologists only teach children how to say sounds correctly. While this is true, it is only one of the many things they do.

The role of a Speech Language Pathologist is to:

  • Evaluate

  • Diagnose

  • Treat

…children and adults with communication disorders, such as:

  • Articulation disorders

  • Language disorders

  • Auditory Processing disorders

  • Phonological disorders

  • Developmental delay

  • Stuttering

  • English language learners (or ELL)

  • Stroke

  • Hearing loss

  • Traumatic Brain Injury 

Speech Language Pathologist’s also serve individuals with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD)

  • Apraxia of Speech

  • Cochlear Implants

  • Learning Disorders/Learning Disabilities

  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (or PDD)

  • Speech Muscle Weakness (also known as Dysarthria)

  • Sensory Integration Disorder 

Furthermore, speech language pathologist’s help both young and old who have or have had:

  • Voice Disorders

  • A laryngectomy

  • Feeding Disorders

  • Accent Reduction/Modification needs

  • Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate

  • Swallowing Disorders (also known as Dysphagia)

  • Syndromes like Down, Asperger, and Craniofacial

  • Neurological Disorders such as Cerebral Palsy

  • Alternative and Augmentative Communication (or AAC)

  • Diseases like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s etc. 

Speech Language Pathologist’s work with many professionals and specialists from other disciplines including but not limited to:

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Physical Therapists

  • Pediatricians

  • Psychologists

  • Audiologists

  • Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctors

  • Pediatric and Regular Dentists

  • Orthodontists

  • General and Special Education Teachers

  • Behavior Specialists

  • Lactation Specialists

  • Nutritionists

  • Social Workers

  • Healthcare Administrators 

Speech Language Pathologist’s work in many different settings and collaborate with members of other disciplines, providing interdisciplinary care.

When people from different disciplines work together to help a family who has a specific problem, everyone becomes a member of that “team”.

In an ideal situation the Parent or Caregiver should be the head of the team and every specialist on the team should work toward meeting their goal(s).

 
Sound Hearing Audiology and Speech – Dr. Robin Zeller, Ph.D.
50 Hazelwood Drive, Jericho NY 11753
516-932-7577
Audiologist, Speech Language Pathologist, Speech Therapy, Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss Treatments for Adults and Children