Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

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Speech pathologists diagnose, treat and provide management services to people of all ages with communication disorders, including speech, language, voice, fluency and literacy difficulties, or people who have physical problems with eating or swallowing.

These programs could be education programs for parents, play-based activities for children or muscle retraining exercises to improve swallowing, eating or drinking skills. Speech pathologists may work with young children, older children or adults who have speech difficulties because of an injury, illness, congenital condition or a stroke.

ANZSCO description: 252712 : Assesses and treats people with communication disorders, such as speech, language, voice, fluency and literacy difficulties, and people who have physical problems with eating or swallowing. Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative names: Speech Pathologist; Speech & Language Pathologist; Speech Language Therapist (NZ), Speech Therapist

Specialisations: Intellectual and/or physical disability, Paediatrics, Voice Therapy

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A Speech pathologist needs:

• a good background in English, Mathematics and Science

• excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills

• an ability to deal with complex and unusual situations

• to be able to communicate with a variety of different people and enjoy working with people

• to be able to inspire confidence and cooperation

• to be able to work with a variety of other health professionals as part of a team
  

Duties and Tasks

Speech pathologists may perform the following tasks:

• establish the exact nature and severity of each client's communication problems, which may require the use of special equipment and tests

• plan and carry out treatment and management, taking into account age, past and present social environment, and physical and intellectual abilities

• treat children who are unable to communicate effectively due to conditions such as cleft palate, hearing loss, delayed speech or language development, cerebral palsy or emotional disturbances

• treat adults whose language, speech or voice has been affected by surgery, disease or disorders of the nervous system, brain damage or hearing loss

• help children and adults overcome stuttering

• assess and treat children and adults who have difficulty chewing and swallowing

• act as a consultant to education, medical, dental and other health professionals

• provide ongoing counselling, advice and information to clients and families as a part of overall treatment.

Did You Know? A Speech Pathologist is qualified to assess and provide treatment to people with communication difficulties. A Speech Pathologist is called a Speech-Language Pathologist in America and a Speech and Language Therapist in the UK. One in seven Australians has some form of communication disability. This means that one in seven people has a problem understanding other people or being understood by people. Communication disorders include difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding, fluency, reading and writing. According to Speech Pathology Australia: •Children with Autism, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy often begin their life with a communication impairment. •20% of four year old children have difficulty understanding or using language. •14% of 15 year olds only have basic literacy skills. •Children with language impairments are six times more likely to have a reading problem than children without. •46% of young Australian offenders (eg in juvenile detention centres) have a language impairment. •There is a high correlation between communication difficulties and poor mental health. •Three in every 1000 newborns have hearing loss, which without intervention can affect their speech, language and literacy. People with communication disorders may feel frustrated, angry or embarrassed as they try to communicate with people. Research shows that speech and language disorders in childhood can lead to difficulties with reading and spelling, difficulties with school curriculum, social challenges and low self-esteem.  Further long term outcomes include risk to mental health, limited employment options and social isolation. (Source: Liberty Speech Pathology)

Assist Speech-Language Pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems. Speech Pathology Assistants help Speech Pathologists diagnose and help treat those with hearing defects as well as communication related problems.

Speech-language pathologist assistants assist the speech-language pathologist with speech-language and hearing screenings. They may follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist, assist with informal documentation, and perform checks/maintenance of equipment. They may also support the supervising speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs.

ANZSCO ID: N/A

Alternative names: Speech Pathology Aide

• Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
• Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
• Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
• Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
• Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
• Test or maintain equipment to ensure correct performance.
• Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of speech-language research projects.
• Conduct in-service training sessions, or family and community education programs.
• Perform support duties such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
• Prepare charts, graphs, or other visual displays to communicate clients' performance information.
• Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
• Determines the degree of hearing loss or hearing defect via testing
• Analyses results of hearing tests
• Provides counselling and further information for those with hearing and speech issues
• Recommends technological aids to improve speech and hearing
• Conducts rehabilitation programs and remedial exercises
• Provides guidance and treatment to clients who are selected by the supervising SLP as appropriate for this service delivery model.
• Documents client performance by tallying data for the SLP to use; prepared charts, records, and graphs and report this information to the supervising SLP.
• Programmes and provides instruction in the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices.

Working conditions

Most speech-language pathologist assistants work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or speech and hearing centers. They may work 40 hours per week, and some may work part time.

Other workplace settings:

Nursing Homes
Private Practice
Public Health Departments
Schools

Education and training/entrance requirements

The majority of Speech Pathology Assistants have a Bachelor Degree qualification or are at a Post Graduate/ Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate level.

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