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 diseases  social communication 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  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 pathologistWhat to expect from a speech pathologist How to choose a speech pathologistHow 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  National Health Services Directory

Resources 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

The International Communication Project 2014 We need your help in building a Nation for Communication:  Sign up to the Communication Pledge at  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?