Speech & Language Therapy
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The overall objective of speech-language therapy services is to optimize individuals’ ability to communicate and swallow, thereby improving quality of life. As the population profile of the United States continues to become increasingly diverse (U.S. Census Bureau, 2005), speech–language pathologists have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about the impact of these changes on clinical services and research needs. Speech-language pathologists are committed to the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services and to the consideration of diversity in scientific investigations of human communication and swallowing.
Additionally, an important characteristic of the practice of speech-language pathology is that, to the extent possible, clinical decisions are based on best available evidence. The ACSD has established criteria regarding the provision of services. These services are provided to some students on an informal basis, while others are provided formal services as a student with a disability (CSE/CPSE).
Qualifications: Speech-language pathologists, as defined by ASHA, hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), which requires a master’s, doctoral, or other recognized post baccalaureate degree.
Professional Roles and Activities: Services are provided based on applying the best available research evidence, using expert clinical judgments, and considering clients’ individual preferences and values. Speech-language pathologists address typical and atypical communication and swallowing in the following areas:
- speech sound production
- resonance
- voice
- fluency
- language (comprehension and expression)
- cognition
- feeding and swallowing
Clinical Services: Speech-language pathologists provide clinical services both in and outside of the classroom setting that include the following:
- prevention and pre-referral
- screening
- assessment/evaluation
- consultation
- diagnosis
- treatment, intervention, management
- collaboration
- documentation
- referral
Education, Administration, and Research:
- educating the public regarding communications and swallowing;
- educating and providing in-service training to families, caregivers, and other professionals;
- educating, supervising, and mentoring current and future speech-language pathologists;
- educating, supervising, and managing speech-language pathology assistants and other support personnel;
- fostering public awareness of communication and swallowing disorders and their treatment;
- serving as expert witnesses;
- administering and managing clinical and academic programs;
- developing policies, operational procedures, and professional standards;
- conducting basic and applied/translational research related to communication sciences and disorders, and swallowing.
©Copyright 2007 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. All rights reserved.
Related Files
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Speech-Language Pathologists in Schools
Roles and Responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists