Speech-Language Pathology‪ ‬

Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in patients.


When diagnosing patients, speech-language pathologists typically do the following:

Communicate with patients to evaluate levels of speech or language difficulty;

Determine the extent of communication problems by having a patient complete basic reading and vocalizing tasks or by standardized tests;

Identify treatment options;

Create and carry out an individualized treatment plan


When treating patients, speech-language pathologists typically do the following:

Teach patients how to make sounds and improve their voices;

Teach alternative communication methods, sign language, to patients with little or no speech capability;

Work with patients to increase their ability to read and write correctly;

Work with patients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow;

Counsel patients and families on how to cope with communication disorders


Review covers the following topics:

Basic Human Communication Processes;

Language acquisition and learning theory, Language science, Multicultural awareness, Speech science.

Phonological and Language Disorders Assessment and Treatment: Phonological disorders, Language disorders

Speech Disorders: Identification, Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention.

Fluency disorders, Resonance disorders, Voice disorders,

Neurogenic Disorders: Neurological disorders, Dysphagia

Audiology/Hearing: Hearing science, Audiological assessment, Auditory habilitation and rehabilitation


Clinical Management: Alternative/augmentative communication, Counseling,

Documentation and monitoring client progress, Efficacy, Instrumentation,

Speech-language assessment , Speech-language intervention Syndromes and

genetics


Professional Issues/Psychometrics/Research: Ethical practices, Research methodology/psychometrics, Standards and laws