Speech pathology
Speech Pathology
Speech Pathology (pronounced: /spiːtʃ pəˈθɒlədʒi/), also known as Speech-Language Pathology, is a field of expertise practiced by a clinician known as a Speech-Language Pathologist or a Speech Therapist. This field specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders, speech disorders, and swallowing disorders.
Etymology
The term "Speech Pathology" is derived from the Greek words "logos" which means "word" or "speech", and "pathos" which means "suffering". The term thus essentially refers to the 'suffering of speech'.
Related Terms
- Speech-Language Pathologist: A professional who practices Speech Pathology.
- Communication Disorders: An umbrella term referring to a wide variety of disorders that affect a person's ability to communicate.
- Speech Disorders: Disorders that affect a person's ability to produce sounds that create words.
- Swallowing Disorders: Also known as dysphagia, these disorders affect a person's ability to swallow.
Scope of Speech Pathology
Speech Pathology involves the assessment and treatment of a wide range of disorders including:
- Articulation Disorders: These involve difficulties in the way sounds are formed and strung together.
- Fluency Disorders: These involve interruption of the flow of speech that may include hesitations, repetitions (st-st-stuttering), and prolongation of sounds and syllables.
- Resonance or Voice Disorders: These involve problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that distract listeners from what's being said.
- Oral Feeding Disorders: These involve difficulty with eating, swallowing, and drooling.
Speech Pathologists work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and research settings. They work with individuals who have difficulties with speech due to a range of causes including developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, dementia, and hearing loss, among others.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Speech pathology
- Wikipedia's article - Speech pathology
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