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.