Most of us take communication for granted. We can say what we want, when we want, even if we’re not always eloquent. However, many people have speech and language difficulties that interfere with their jobs, relationships, and quality of life.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with people suffering from these types of difficulties. They diagnose problems, and develop and carry out treatment programs tailored to each patient's needs.
Language difficulties are sometimes related to learning disabilities or to conditions such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. In many cases, speech and language problems are the result of strokes or head injuries. Other problems, such as stuttering, have no clear cause.
For individuals with little or no speech capability, SLPs teach the use of alternative communication methods, including the use of automated devices and sign language. They teach patients how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their language skills to communicate more effectively.
During the treatment process, an SLP may also use books, pictures, toys, or sophisticated equipment such as sound analyzers and multimedia computer programs.
Speech-language pathologists work in hospitals, schools, research institutes, community health clinics, and (increasingly) in private practice. In speech and language clinics they develop and carry out treatment programs. In hospitals, SLPs work closely with psychologists, occupational therapists, dentists, and other health professionals to diagnose and treat a wide variety of communication disorders.
In schools, SLPs work with teachers to improve speech and language in the classroom and to identify students who are at risk of developing long-term communication problems.
SLPs can choose to specialize in the treatment of specific types of disorders. For example, one may work primarily with elderly people who have had a stroke or suffer from Alzheimer’s, while another might deal with developmentally-delayed children.
In addition to treating patients or clients, SLPs teach families, therapists, teachers, and other caregivers about the nature of a client’s disorder and how appropriate support can be provided.
NOC Code: 3141