For millions of Americans with speech and languate disorders, this is a reality. For them, words don't come easily. Speech and language disorders range from stuttering or extreme hoarseness to an inability to speak or remember words or simple sounds. Over 14 million Americans have some type of speech or language disability. These problems can affect anyone of any age, at any time.
Young children can have a language delay that limits early learning.
Older people can suffer a brain injury or have aphasia following a stroke, leaving them unable to express their thoughts. People of all ages can stutter or have problems with their voice. Speech and language problems are serious and can isolate us from other people and frustrate our efforts to learn and grow. SLPAs are a part of the solution. Tasks performed by SLPAs may include speech language screenings, following specified treatment protocol, documentation of client's treatment progress and communicating with members of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team in a school, skilled nursing facility or hospital.