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?