Speech Pathologist Jobs

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 16th, 2010

What is within a speech pathologists scope of practice?

Speech pathologists can diagnose any disorder pertaining to speech and language directly, including articulation and phonological impairments, receptive or expressive language delays, aphasia, and apraxia. SLPs are not able to diagnose any disorder on the autism spectrum, although these professionals are oftentimes very good at identifying the symptoms. If he/she suspects a child may have an autism related disorder, the SLP must refer him/her to a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist.

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What other professionals do speech pathologists work with?

In some settings, such as the hospital or clinic, the work of a speech pathologist is more autonomous, in other settings such as an early childhood facility or school setting they work in teams. In early childhood development facilities, like Easter Seals, an SLP Speech Pathologist Jobs

works on a team with a physical therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, and sometimes a social worker to provide services to the child. In the school setting, an SLP works closely with teachers, counselors, the special education coordinator, and the school psychologist to provide the best possible course of treatment for the child. In the clinic or hospital setting SLPs work with physicians, especially Ear Nose and Throat doctors who have referred many voice patients, audiologists, especially when a child is suspected to have a Central Auditory Processing impairment, and even radiologists when a video fluoroscopy is needed.

What types of equipment or tools does a speech pathologist use?

There are a variety of different devices SLPs may use to help them with their job. Below are a few examples.

Augmentative Communication Device
An Augmentative Communication Device is a speech-generating computer with a dynamic touch screen. This device allows a person to push buttons and the machine will speak for the person. It works well for individuals who have enough cognition and receptive language skills to communicate but are limited in their abilities to produce speech. Examples of individuals who may benefit from an augmentative communication device include stroke survivors, coma survivors, individuals with cerebral palsy, and even those with mental retardation.

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Stroboscopy camera
A stroboscopy is sometimes necessary for patients with voice impairments. This procedure involves suppressing a patient’s tongue and inserting a small camera to the back of their throat while they phonate vowel sounds like “ahhhh”. This procedure allows the SLP to examine the vocal cords while in movement. Sometimes Ear Nose and Throat doctors perform the stroboscopy, whereas other times it is handled by the speech pathologist.

Computer analysis voice program
For some voice patients the SLP may use a computer program with a microphone to analyze specific characteristics of their voice such as quality and pitch.