What is a Speech Pathologist?

¨ “Do you perform autopsies?”

¨ “You do something with kids, right?”

¨ “Work with people who have had strokes?”

These are a few of the questions Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) might hear when speaking of our profession.  A primary function of SLPs, also known as “Speech Therapists,” is to facilitate initial acquisition or re-acquisition of speech, language, or thinking skills, and/or swallowing and nourishment functions for both children and adults. Through various treatment methods and using a variety of tools, SLPs assist clients in achieving skills that allow them to better understand and express spoken and written language or use devices that will improve or enhance their overall communication skills.  We work in many settings including schools, outpatient  clinics, hospitals, homes, private practices, small businesses, and large  corporations.