Private Speech Pathologists Association Perth, Western Australia




	What does a Speech Pathologist do ? What is a Speech Pathologist ? Who does a Speech Pathologist see ? What does a Speech Pathologist do ? What types of difficulties does a Speech Pathologist manage ? What is a Speech Pathologist ? A Speech Pathologist is a tertiary trained professional who is educated in the study of human communication, its development and its disorders. By evaluating the speech and language skills of the client, the Speech Pathologist, in consultation with the family, determines if a communication problem exists. If necessary, an individual management plan is created. In addition to communication skills, Speech Pathologists assess and manage clients with difficulties with reading and writing (literacy impairment) and oral motor skills (swallowing and feeding). Speech Pathologists have in the past been called Speech Therapists, and are sometimes referred to as Speech-Language Pathologists and Speech and Language Therapists. All members of PSPAWA are also practicing members of Speech Pathology Australia. Who does a Speech Pathologist see ? Speech Pathologists work with clients across the age span, from infants to the elderly. For further information about what to expect at different ages, see Ages and Stages. What does a Speech Pathologist do ? Speech Pathologists perform assessments to determine the type and severity of the client’s difficulties. Assessment may be formal (eg. completing a test) or informal (eg. observation of skills) or a combination of both. The results of assessments are compiled into a report for the client to use in explaining the findings to relevant others. Management may take a variety of forms, depending upon the needs of the client. It may include individual sessions, group sessions, prescribing of equipment, classroom activities, or contact with other professionals (e.g. teachers, workshop managers, occupational therapists, psychologists, paediatrician, ENT surgeons). Case conferencing can be an integral part of management of a client’s needs. Consultation with family members, school teachers, work colleagues, and other significant communication partners is vital to ensure success of the management program and the client reaching their full potential. Speech Pathologists can also provide education sessions to community groups, schools, playgroups, and other interested parties. What types of difficulties does a Speech Pathologist manage ? Speech Pathologists assess and treat a wide range of communication and feeding skills, including: Language Voice Speech Sounds Stuttering Hearing Feeding and Swallowing Literacy Interpersonal Skills Speech Pathologists also work with children and adults with specific diagnoses such as: Autism Cerebral Palsy Aspergers Syndrome Pervasive Developmental Disorder Cleft Palate Global Developmental Delay Intellectual Disability Learning Disabled Parkinsons Disease Huntingtons Disease Downs Syndrome Stroke Some members of PSPAWA have a special interest or experience in particular topics, including: Nonverbal communication Veterans affairs Acquired adult disorders Attention related disorders Business and professional issues Learning difficulty Nursing home consultation Physical disability