What is a Speech Pathologist?
Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice.
They work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech and language.
People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist.
You should refer any child:
If you or other people are having difficulty understanding your child
If people think your child is younger than they are because of the way they speak
If your child is being teased or showing frustration because of the way they talk
If your child is using fewer words than other children their age
If your child stutters
If your child’s interactions or play seems unusual or inappropriate
If your child is struggling with reading or writing
Who has a diagnosis that could affect his/her speech or language such as hearing loss, auditory processing disorder, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, developmental delay, etc.
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