What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist? What SLPs Do for Children
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) — a speech and language therapist in the UK, a speech pathologist in Australia — assesses, diagnoses, and treats problems with speech, language, literacy, voice, fluency, and swallowing. In the US, ASHA’s CCC-SLP needs a graduate degree, supervised experience, and a national exam.
What SLPs do
ASHA describes speech-language pathologists as professionals who help people communicate effectively and eat and swallow safely, working in schools, health care settings, and private practice, often on teams with other professionals.1
| Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Speech sounds | Difficulty pronouncing sounds or words clearly |
| Language | Understanding or expressing thoughts and ideas — spoken, signed, or written |
| Literacy | Reading, writing, and spelling |
| Social communication | Using verbal and nonverbal communication appropriately in social situations |
| Voice | Pitch, volume, or voice quality, such as hoarseness |
| Fluency | Stuttering and cluttering |
| Cognitive communication | Memory, attention, and problem-solving that support communication |
| Feeding and swallowing | Challenges with eating and swallowing (dysphagia) |
Areas SLPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat (ASHA).1
ASHA adds that SLPs can also provide hearing screening and augmentative and alternative communication — ways to communicate without speaking.1
What a pediatric SLP does for a child
For speech sound disorders, ASHA’s Practice Portal says SLPs play a central role in screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. An assessment typically includes a case history, an oral mechanism exam, a hearing screening, single-word and conversation samples, and stimulability testing — and may end in a diagnosis, a decision that speech is typical for the child’s age and community, or a referral, such as to an audiologist.3
In the UK, the RCSLT describes speech and language therapists working with parents, carers, teachers, and doctors, and lists children’s conditions they support such as cleft palate, language difficulties, selective mutism, and specific difficulties in producing sounds.4
Free Speech Delay Quiz
A 20-question screener that returns a clear risk score and next steps.
Titles and training around the world
| Country | Title | Body to check |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Speech-language pathologist (SLP) | ASHA certification (CCC-SLP) and state licensure |
| United Kingdom | Speech and language therapist (SLT) | Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) |
| India | Speech-language pathologist | Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the statutory body |
| Australia | Speech pathologist | Speech Pathology Australia |
What the profession is called, and the body to check.2,4,5,6
In the US, ASHA defines SLPs as professionals who hold its Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, which requires a master’s, doctoral, or other recognized postbaccalaureate degree, a supervised postgraduate professional experience, and a national examination. The scope of practice notes it does not supersede state licensure laws.2
The RCSLT calls speech and language therapists allied health professionals and estimates there are around 20,000 practising in the UK.4
How to find an SLP
ASHA suggests talking to your primary care provider, searching its ProFind directory of certified professionals, or asking your local school. ASHA also stresses starting early: it is important to find out whether there is a problem so that services can begin as soon as possible.1,7
Where SpeechStep fits
SpeechStep is home practice software for ages 4–8, not an SLP. It does not assess or diagnose. Families working with an SLP can use it for short practice between sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What does a speech-language pathologist do?＋
ASHA describes SLPs as professionals who help people communicate effectively and eat and swallow safely. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat difficulties with speech sounds, language, literacy, social communication, voice, fluency, cognitive communication, and feeding and swallowing.
Is a speech therapist the same as a speech-language pathologist?＋
Yes — “speech therapist” is the everyday name. The professional title differs by country: speech-language pathologist in the US and India, speech and language therapist in the UK, and speech pathologist in Australia.
What qualifications does an SLP need?＋
In the US, ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) requires a master’s, doctoral, or other recognized postbaccalaureate degree, a supervised postgraduate professional experience, and a passing score on a national examination. States also set their own licensure laws.
What does a pediatric SLP do?＋
For children with speech sound problems, ASHA’s Practice Portal describes SLPs screening, assessing, diagnosing, and treating; educating families and other professionals; and referring on — for example, to an audiologist if hearing loss is suspected.
Put this into practice today
Try the free speech delay quiz, or start daily AI speech practice — every child takes one SpeechStep at a time.
References
7 sources from authoritative bodies. Last reviewed October 2026.
- 1.ASHAWho Are Speech-Language Pathologists, and What Do They Do? — Consumer page.
- 2.ASHAScope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology — Policy document, 2016.
- 3.ASHASpeech Sound Disorders: Articulation and Phonology — Practice Portal page.
- 4.Royal College of Speech and Language TherapistsWhat is speech and language therapy? — Guidance page.
- 5.Rehabilitation Council of IndiaRehabilitation Council of India — statutory body site.
- 6.Speech Pathology AustraliaFind a Speech Pathologist — therapist directory (archived copy).
- 7.ASHAASHA ProFind: Find a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist — Referral directory.