What is a speech pathologist?
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Transcript What is a speech pathologist?
What is speech pathology?
Communication disorders in Australia
12% of children in Australian primary schools have a
communication disorder
Children with a language impairment are six times more
likely to have a reading problem than children without
At least 30% of people post-stroke suffer loss of
language (aphasia)
85% of those with Parkinson’s disease have voice,
speech and/or swallowing difficulties
At least 13,000 Australians use electronic
communication aids to get their message across
46% of young Australian offenders may have a
language impairment
What is a speech pathologist?
Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat:
communication disorders, including difficulties
with speech, language, fluency and voice, and
swallowing disorders.
Where do SPs work?
Speech pathology is practised in a wide variety of
settings including:
hospitals
private practice
kindergartens
community health centres
homes
rehabilitation centres
universities
juvenile justice centres
schools
early intervention services
nursing homes
mental health services
disability services
Speech pathologists work with…
All ages across the life-span.
People having difficulty communicating or swallowing
food or drink safely because of:
developmental delays
dementia / mental illness
physical disability
intellectual disability
progressive neurological
social communication
diseases
disorders
brain injuries
cancer
learning disability
hearing impairment / loss
fluency disorders
voice disorders
What do speech pathologists do?
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing
disorders
Use an evidence based and person-centred approach
Work collaboratively as part of a team
Provide education and consultancy services
Provide support and advocacy
Credentialing of SPs
Speech pathology is a self-regulating health profession in
Australia.
Speech pathologists are not part of the National
Registration and Accreditation Scheme and do not have
to be registered with AHPRA.
Membership of SPA is the only way to ensure that speech
pathologists have completed the appropriate training and
maintained their currency of skills to work as a speech
pathologist.
When to refer to a SP
Consult the When to Refer section of the SPA website
www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
Ask a speech pathologist.
How to refer to a SP
A written referral is not required but is desirable.
SPs accept self referrals from clients.
Waiting lists apply for public and in some instances
private services.
SPA has Information Sheets for prospective clients:
• What to expect from a speech pathologist
• How to choose a speech pathologist
How to find a speech pathologist
SPA has a directory of members (who wish to have their
details advertised) on its Find a Speech Pathologist
search
www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
National Health Services Directory
www.nhsd.com.au
Resources
Information for the Community Clients & Other
Professionals section of SPA’s website contains:
When to refer information
Information Sheets
Fact Sheets
What is a speech pathologist video
Find a Speech Pathologist directory
www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
The International Communication Project 2014
We need your help in building a Nation for Communication:
Sign up to the Communication Pledge at
www.communication2014.com
Appear in a photo with the “I Communicate” card or film a
short video giving your support to the ICP2014
Put a sticker on your car, a logo on your website or a piece
in your newsletter
Write to your local politicians
Just talk!
Questions?