SLPs work with the full range of human communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages. SLPs:

• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Provide training and education to family/caregivers and other professionals.
• Work collaboratively with professionals from many other disciplines.

Hearing and balance disorders can be assessed, treated, and rehabilitated by an audiologist. Audiologists are health care professionals who provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for people of all ages.

A language disorder may be spoken and/or written (reading and writing). It may also be receptive (understanding) and/or expressive (talking, reading, writing, or signing).

Signs of a Language Disorder:

• Doesn't smile or interact with others (birth–3 months)
• Doesn't babble (4–7 months)
• Makes few sounds (7–12 months)
• Does not use gestures (e.g., waving, pointing) (7–12 months)
• Doesn't understand what others say (7 months–2 years)
• Says only a few words (12–18 months)
• Doesn't put words together to make sentences (1½–2 years)
• Says fewer than 50 words (2 years)
• Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2–3 years)
• Has problems with early reading and writing skills—for example, may not show an interest in books or drawing (2½–3 years)

Signs of a Speech Sound Disorder:

• Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words most of the time (1–2 years)
• Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words most of the time (2–3 years)
• Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)

Signs of Stuttering (Disfluency):

• Struggles to say sounds or words (2½–3 years)
• Repeats first sounds of words—"b-b-b-ball" for "ball" (2½–3 years)
• Pauses a lot while talking (2½–3 years)
• Stretches sounds out—"f-f-f-f-farm" for "farm" (2½–3 years)

Signs of a Voice Disorder:

• Uses a hoarse or breathy voice
• Uses a nasal-sounding voice

Signs of a Hearing Loss:

• Shows lack of attention to sounds (birth–1 year)
• Doesn't respond when you call his/her name (7 months–1 year)
• Doesn't follow simple directions (1–2 years)
• Shows delays in speech and language development (birth–3 years)

Signs of Possible Swallowing or Feeding Disorders:

• Only consumes a few different foods or consistencies
• Coughs or chokes when eating or drinking
• Weight loss or failure to gain weight as expected
• Takes much longer than expected to finish eating
• Leaves food in mouth without swallowing

If a speech, language or swallowing problem is suspected, you can contact an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist for a complete diagnostic speech and language evaluation. All treatment or rehabilitation options will be discussed after the problem has been identified.
If a hearing problem is suspected, you can contact an ASHA certified or state licensed audiologist for a full diagnostic hearing evaluation. The audiologist will either refer the child or adult for medical treatment (cerumen removal, ear infections) or provide non-medical treatment for hearing loss, such as amplification (hearing aids, cochlear implants). Aural rehabilitation options will also be discussed if needed.

For more information, visit Communication for a Lifetime.