What is a Speech Language Pathologist?
Speech-Language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency.
Speech-Language pathologists work with people who cannot produce speech sounds or cannot produce them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering; people with voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems understanding and producing language; those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent; and those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders. They also work with people who have swallowing difficulties.
Speech, language, and swallowing difficulties can result from a variety of causes including stroke, brain injury or deterioration, developmental delays or disorders, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, voice pathology, mental retardation, hearing loss, or emotional problems. Problems can be congenital, developmental, or acquired.
Just as a reminder, here is an overview of typical speech and language services:
- Articulation therapy and assessment
- Voice therapy and assessment
- Language therapy and assessment
- Auditory processing and comprehension deficits
- Pragmatics language disorders
- Hearing impairment and the hearing handicapped
- Oral-motor disorders
- Myofunctional disorders
- Feeding & swallowing disorders
Contact us at 731-668-6076 with any questions or concerns or to schedule an appointment.