What do speech and language pathologists do?

• Speech and language pathologists (SLPs) provide life-improving treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing.
• SLPs assess and treat speech, language and communication problems in people of all ages to help them communicate better. They also assess, treat and develop personalized plans to support people who have eating and swallowing problems.
• Using specialist skills, SLPs work directly with clients and their careers and provide them with tailored support. They also work closely with teachers and other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, other allied health professionals and psychologists to develop individual treatments.

Who benefits from speech and language therapy?

Speech and language therapy benefits people of all ages, for example:

• SLPs support students with primary speech, language and communication difficulties, such as stammering, as well as speech, language and communication difficulties that are secondary to other conditions such as learning difficulties and hearing problems.
• Students with learning difficulties: SLPs support students who have developmental conditions such as learning disabilities, autism and down syndrome.