Speech pathologists work with people with communication impairments such as difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist.
The speech pathologist usually does an assessment to determine the type and severity of the difficulties experienced by the client, and then develops a plan to help treat and/or support the client. For example, they might do regular therapy sessions with the client and/or they might train other people to implement strategies to support the client day to day.
Is there a difference between a speech therapist and speech pathologist?
No. The name was changed from speech therapist to speech pathologist a number of years ago, but they are the same profession.
Who do speech pathologists work with?
Children: with developmental delays, with particular syndromes or diagnoses (e.g. autism, Down Syndrome), brain injuries, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, specific speech and language impairments
Adults: who have had a stroke or brain injury, intellectual or learning disability, degenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease), cerebral palsy, autism etc.