 Speech–language pathology

Speech-language pathology studies and addresses communication and swallowing difficulties across development and adult life. It connects language, speech production, hearing-related communication and the coordination of swallowing with assessment and intervention. A difficulty understanding sentences and a difficulty coordinating speech movements are different possible problems even when both affect conversation. Separating components helps identify what an assessment result or treatment outcome actually measures. ^[ref]

Speech-language pathology is a field of healthcare that focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also known as speech therapists, work with individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly, to address a variety of issues related to speech, language, voice, and fluency.