Speech–language pathology
Speech–language pathology is the clinical profession that assesses and treats communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
Child language disorder: A persistent difficulty learning or using language that begins during childhood. Speech-language pathologists assess and treat children’s difficulties understanding or expressing language.
Speech-language assessment: The systematic evaluation of communication or swallowing abilities, difficulties, and related needs. Assessment establishes a profile of strengths and difficulties before intervention.
Phonetics: The study of the physical properties and production of speech sounds. It supplies tools for describing how speech sounds are articulated and perceived.
Speech-language pathologist: A clinician trained to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. This is the professional role at the center of the field.
Speech sound disorder: A difficulty producing speech sounds that reduces intelligibility or limits effective communication. Assessment distinguishes sound-pattern difficulties from problems with speech movements.
Speech-language therapy: Intervention designed to improve communication, swallowing, or participation in daily activities. It is the main clinical means of addressing needs identified through assessment.
Phonology: The study of how languages organize speech sounds into patterns and systems. Sound-pattern analysis helps distinguish phonological difficulties from articulation problems.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: A United States professional association for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and related scientists. It sets professional resources and certification standards in the United States.
Stuttering: A fluency disorder involving involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks during speech. Treatment can address speech fluency, communication participation, and the effects of stuttering.
Clinical decision-making: The process of selecting care using evidence, professional expertise, and a person’s circumstances and preferences. Clinicians use it to choose assessments, goals, and interventions for each case.