The role of the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is to identify, assess, evaluate, treat, manage, educate and help to prevent language, speech, voice, fluency, cognitive, and other related communication disorders, as well as swallowing problems.

Communication disorders may be related to: hearing impairment, neurological disorders, language learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, autism, cleft palate, head and neck cancer, brain injuries, feeding and swallowing difficulties and other disorders not listed.

Speech-Language Pathologists may work alone or as part of a team to help individuals of all ages to communicate effectively and to eat and swallow safely. Referrals to a speech-language pathologist are made by doctors or other health care workers, public health nurses, infant development specialists, teachers, family members or others that are involved in the care of the individual. Self-referrals are also made.