Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists are professionals concerned with evaluation, treatment, prevention and research in human communication and its disorders. They treat speech and language disorders and work with individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. The patholigists diagnose and evaluate speech problems, such as fluency (e.g., stuttering), articulation voice disorders, language problems, such as aphasia, and delayed language and related disorders, such as dysphagia (e.g., swallowing difficulties). They design and carry out comprehensive treatment plans to achieve the following:
1. Help individuals learn correct production of speech sounds.
2. Assist with developing proper control of the vocal and respiratory systems and correct voice production.
3. Assist children and adolescents with language problems, such as understanding and giving directions, answering and asking questions, understanding and using English grammar, using appropriate social language and conveyingideas to others.
4. Assist individuals who stutter to increase the amount of fluent speech and to cope with their disorder.
5. Assist individuals who have had strokes or suffered other brain trauma to relearn language and speech skills.
6. Counsel individuals with speech and language disorders and their families or care givers to understand theirdisorder and to communicate more effectively in educational, social and vocational settings.
7. Advise individuals and the community on how to prevent speech and language disorders.