What is a speech therapist or speech pathologist? What do they do?

"A speech pathologist (therapist) assesses and treats people who have a communication disability. Speech pathologists (therapists) work with all aspects of communication including speech, writing, reading, signs, symbols and gestures. They also work with people who have difficulties swallowing food and drink." - Speech Pathology Australia. A speech therapist also has a particular interest in preventing any problems and educating the public about normal speech and language development. Speech therapists (or speech pathologists) may also be known as speech and language therapists (or speech language pathologists). This is to help the general public to be more aware of their role in working with other aspects of communication and not just speech or articulation problems. There should be no stigma attached to speech therapy as many otherwise healthy and intelligent children do see a speech therapist and enjoy the speech therapy sessions. 4. Do I need a doctor's referral to see a speech ...  more