FAQ

 
 

What does a speech language pathologist (SLP) do?

SLPs work with the full range of human communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages. SLPs:

  • Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.

  • Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.

  • Provide training and education to family/caregivers and other professionals.

  • Work collaboratively with professionals from many other disciplines.

-American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
 

What is a language disorder?

Language disorders occur when a person has trouble understanding others (receptive language), or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings (expressive language). Language disorders may be spoken or written and may involve the form (phonology, morphology, syntax), content (semantics), and/or use (pragmatics) of language in functional and socially appropriate ways.
 

What is a speech disorder?

Speech disorders occur when a person has difficulty producing speech sounds correctly or fluently (e.g., stuttering is a form of disfluency) or has problems with his or her voice or resonance.
 

what is a social communication disorder?

Social communication disorders occur when a person has trouble with the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. These disorders may include problems (a) communicating for social purposes (e.g., greeting, commenting, asking questions), (b) talking in different ways to suit the listener and setting, and (c) following rules for conversation and story-telling. All individuals with autism spectrum disorder have social communication problems. Social communication disorders are also found individuals with other conditions, such as traumatic brain injury.
 

what is a cognitive communication disorder?

Cognitive-communication disorders include problems organizing thoughts, paying attention, remembering, planning, and/or problem-solving. These disorders usually happen as a result of a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or dementia, although they can be congenital.
 

What is a swallowing disorder?

Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) are feeding and swallowing difficulties, which may follow an illness, surgery, stroke, or injury.