05/11/2012
A speech & language therapist (SLT) is a professional whose central involvement is in the prevention, assessment, intervention, management and scientific study of disorders of human communication.
Human communication, in this context comprises all those processes and functions associated with the production of speech and with the understanding and production of oral and written language, as well as forms of non-verbal communication. The SLT’s role also includes work with people who have swallowing and feeding disorders.
Communication disorders result from a variety of medical / environmental causes which can be classified as:
• Neurological disorders e.g. cerebral palsy, stroke, head injury
• Ear, nose and throat disorders e.g. hearing impairment and deafness, cancer, laryngectomy, laryngitis, voice disorders, cleft palate
• Learning difficulties (mental handicap) e.g. delayed development, This may or may not be associated with some childhood disorders such as Autistic Spectrum disorder, Down syndrome etc
• Functional causes e.g. stammering