SLP (Speech and Language Pathology) Object and Subjects

Speech Pathology, usually called SLP (Speech and Language Pathology) represents the medical branch that has as subject the study and treatment of disorders that cause difficulty in the cognitive communication associated with speech and language. Speech and Language specialists deal with humans speech, language, voice and swallowing problems, difficulties or disorders and treat them in health care establishments, like hospitals and clinics, through private practice or in educational facilities like schools.

The main object of speech pathology is communication, referring to fluency, intensity, resonance, intonation, rate as speech , to syntax, semantics, morphology and phonology as language.The other aspects of communication are reading and writing, body language and facial expression.. Speech pathology referrs also at the pharyngeal and oral aspects of swallowing, not including the oeshophageal side, which is mainly a digestive system issue..


There is a wide range of therapies in speech and language pathology, including physical exercise and practice, use of methods that target the improvement of communication, using various visual and audio devices and means..
The practice of speech-language pathology involves providing prevention, screening, consultation, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, intervention, management, counseling, and follow-up services for disorders of speech (phonation, articulation, fluency, resonance, and voice including aeromechanical components of respiration) and language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatic/social aspects of communication) including comprehension and expression in oral, written, graphic, and manual modalities; language processing; preliteracy and language-based literacy skills, including phonological awareness;
Speech-language pathologists generally provide direct clinical services to individuals who need their services. You will also find them in most medical facilities; they work within a team of physicians, doctors, psychologists and physical therapists. Within educational institutions, speech-language pathologists work in collaboration with teachers, special educators, interpreters, staff as well as parents to design and implement programs that provide counseling, support for classroom activities for children struggling with a speech impairment. Based on the condition s they may be faced with, such programs and support systems may be designed at both group as well as individual level..

Speech pathology therapist must:
- Diagnose speech and language disorders and assist in the identification of diseases.
- Treat all adressed speech pathology related concerns using vary service delivery models.
- Investigate and research speech pathology disorders for science purposes.
- .
- Serve as case managers and service delivery coordinators.
- Administer and manage clinical and academic programs.
- Train and educate community and individuals on specific speech pathology topics.
- Participate in outcome measurement activities and use data to guide clinical decision making and determine the effectiveness of services provided in accordance with the principles of evidence-based practice.
- Train, supervise, and manage speech-language pathology assistants and other support personnel.
- Prevent speech pathology problems by promoting a healthy lifestyle

Additional resources:
Speech Therapy