A speech pathologist has been trained to assess and treat people who have a communication disability.
Speech pathologists complete a degree at university which encompasses all aspects of communication including speech, writing, reading, signs, symbols and gestures. Speech pathologists also work with people who have difficulties swallowing food and drink. Speech pathologists or speech-language pathologists were formerly known as speech therapists. They are different from speech and drama teachers.
Why do we need speech pathologists?
Communication – the process of being able to understand and to be understood – is something most of us take for granted. Communication disabilities are the result of problems with speech, using and understanding language, voice, fluency, hearing, or reading and writing.
One in seven Australians has some form of communication disability. This means that one in seven people has a problem understanding other people or being understood by people.
Taken From Speech Pathology Australia www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au