Speech-language pathologists (SLPs)
responsibilities and duties
- Provide aural rehabilitation for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Offer augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for individuals with severe expressive and/or language comprehension disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or progressive neurological disorders.
- Assist individuals without speech, language, or swallowing disorders who wish to communicate more effectively (e.g., focusing on accent modification or other forms of communication enhancement).
- Address the full spectrum of human communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages.
- Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
- Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
- Provide training and education to family members, caregivers, and other professionals.
- Collaborate with professionals from various disciplines to ensure comprehensive care.
Additionally, SLPs may
- Prepare future professionals in colleges and universities.
- Own or operate clinics or private practices.
- Work for national, state, or local associations or agencies.
- Supervise and direct public school or clinical programs.
- Engage in research to enhance knowledge about human communication processes and develop new assessment and treatment methods for more effective outcomes.
- Provide counseling and consultative services.
- Train and supervise support personnel.
Employment Settings
SLPs work in a variety of research, education, and healthcare settings, fulfilling different roles with varying levels of responsibility and serving diverse client populations. Due to the high demand for speech-language pathology services, both part-time and full-time positions are available, depending on factors such as location, preferred facility, employment flexibility, and other considerations.
In many environments, SLPs collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team that may include teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation counselors.