As a speech-language pathologist, you will be fortunate enough to work with individuals, groups and communities of all ages - not only on assessment and remediation of communication disorders, but also in promoting health and preventing disability. Through your work, you are constantly reaffirmed in the belief that communication is a human right.
When we can communicate effectively and appropriately, we are able to live our lives more fully. From the most basic needs (like getting enough to eat) to more complex ones (like finding a job), communication is at the heart of everything we do.
Your ability to communicate plays a large role in your success in life. This is true for children who are just learning language skills, but it remains true into adulthood as well—specifically because it's never too late to learn. There are many reasons why people may have communication difficulties in their everyday lives: developmental or learning disabilities, brain injury, apraxia of speech or articulation disorders, social anxiety disorder or even just ageing and losing some of your hearing sensitivity. Whatever the reason may be, you deserve quality care and support when it comes to improving your communicative abilities.
A speech-language pathologist does more than work with people who have trouble with their speech, language and swallowing. They work to prevent problems as well. And not only do they treat people - they also work with groups, organisations and communities to promote health and prevent disability.
One of the most common problems SLPs are asked to address is a person’s communication skills, whether they are a child who can’t talk yet or an adult who has lost his or her ability to speak after a stroke or injury. SLPs also help children and adults who have difficulty understanding what others are saying because of a hearing loss or learning disability.
As our population ages, this type of interdisciplinary care will become increasingly important. In addition, SLPs can provide support for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, helping them understand what their loved ones are saying during those difficult years when communication becomes difficult.
An SLP must be able to effectively collaborate with other professionals such as audiologists and physicians.
