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]
Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology by ASHA. 2016, definitions, communication and swallowing service areas
A speech-language pathologist applies knowledge about communication and swallowing to assessment, intervention and research. The work can include language disorder, speech production or dysphagia, with the relevant tasks depending on the person and setting. Comparing comprehension, production and functional communication prevents one test score from being treated as a complete description of everyday communication. Professional titles and service arrangements vary between jurisdictions. [ref]
Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology by ASHA. 2016, definition and domains of professional practice
A researcher who investigated relationships between specific language impairment and dyslexia. A longitudinal study compared language and reading profiles, with separate analysis of phonological skills. The work tests whether the conditions are identical, distinct or overlapping, rather than inferring a single explanation from low performance on one measure.[ref]
Are Specific Language Impairment and Dyslexia Distinct Disorders? by Hugh W. Catts and others. 2005, 527-child longitudinal sample and phonological-profile subsample
Portrait of Hugh W. Catts
. California Dyslexia Initiative: external professional newsletter portrait. Source. Articles by others on the same topic
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.