Speech Language Pathology Profession

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders across the life span. SLPs also provide aural rehabilitation for individuals who are deaf or have a hearing impairment. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for individuals with severe expressive and/or language comprehension disorders are managed by SLPs.

SLPs work with the full range of human communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages. SLPs:

• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Provide training and education to family/caregivers and other professionals.
• Work collaboratively with professionals from many other disciplines (ASHA, 2020).