Definition of Speech Pathologist

Speech pathologists work with people who have speech and language disorders, some of which have difficulty producing sounds relating to everyday communication. Disorders range from hearing loss to autism to physical issues. Disorders involve physical, emotional, social and behavioral issues that can affect babies, children or adults. Babies may have difficulties feeding or swallowing. Children may be speech delayed due to a physical impairment or a developmental delay. Adults may have suffered a stroke or dementia that has affected their speech. Speech pathologists also work with people who want to modify accents. They can work out of a home, a hospital or a private facility.

Education

• Educational requirements vary from state to state. Typically, a Master's degree in speech and language pathology is required. Studies range from acoustics to counseling to physiology. Many professionals are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Evaluation

• The first step with any client is evaluating his needs. The speech pathologist will assess a client through a series of age-appropriate tests, evaluating everything from the sounds the client produces, if any, to the pitch and clarity of speech.

Direct Services

• Direct services, working with a client on a weekly or daily basis, are performed by the speech pathologist. Direct services with a client are agreed upon by the speech pathologist and either the client or the parent of the client. Improvement of a disorder can only typically be accomplished by consistent and one-on-one work with the speech pathologist. Speech pathologists have to monitor and record physical reactions, emotional problems and any behaviors that exist during a session.

Counseling

• It is the responsibility of the speech pathologist to counsel her clients or the parents of her clients on what she did each session, the results, what the goals are for the next session and what can be accomplished at home. The speech pathologist will answer any questions relating to a client's diagnosis and encourage work outside of therapy sessions.

Training

• Speech pathologists are often involved in training less experienced speech pathologists as well as speaking at seminars. Community awareness will help parents, fellow professionals, those considering the speech pathology profession and will promote the elimination of barriers in regards to communication and language within society.

Devices

• Some clients need to wear adaptive devices to assist in their speech and language development. Some of these devices are used for the client to speak. For example, a person without vocal cords can speak through a handheld computer-assisted device. Other clients wear devices meant to collect data relating to their disorder. The speech pathologist must provide up-to-date devices as well as proper instruction on using the devices.

Meetings

• The speech pathologist must be available to aid in the further education of individuals under their care. If they cannot attend an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or an IPP (Individual Program Plan) or any other formalized discussion of a client's progress, an up-to-date report should be provided to attendees.