Speech Pathology

SPEECH PATHOLOGY Many people would like to make a difference, not only in their own life, but in others’ lives as well. Deepak Chopra once said, “Everyone has a purpose in life…a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.” All of us, at one point in our lives, have to make the difficult decision of the goals we want to work towards. We all have certain goals, standards, and expectations of ourselves. Not everyone will figure out what they want to be right away, and some will know from the very beginning. My plan for my life is helping others through Speech Language Pathology. Speech Language Pathology deals and works with a wide range of human communication and disorders, which include speech, language, cognitive communication, and swallowing. Communication problems can result from the following: stroke, brain injury, deterioration, developmental delays, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, voice pathology, mental retardation, hearing loss, and emotional problems. According to ADVANCE, a magazine for Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists, twenty-five to thirty-five percent of children suffer from a feeding disorder of some kind. There are over twenty disorders that can cause the problems that these certified pathologists work with. Speech Language Pathologists, or SLP’s, also work with people of all ages, infants to elderly, and can also prepare future individuals. SLP’s may manage agents, clinics, organizations, and private practices, depending on location and clientele. Pathologists may also enhance and engage in research that will further their knowledge of disorders, diseases, and treatment plans. Speech Language Pathologists can work in many different environments and work sites. There are many facilities, such as public and private schools, hospitals,