Speech-Language Pathology is a field of expertise practiced by a clinician known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP)[1] or a speech therapist. SLP is considered a "related health profession" or "allied health profession" along with audiology, behavior analysis, optometry, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, physical therapy, and others.

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SLPs specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders (speech disorders and language disorders), cognitive-communication disorders, voice disorders, and swallowing disorders. SLPs also play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (often in a team with pediatricians and psychologists).

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A common misconception is that speech-language pathology is restricted treatment of articulation disorders (e.g. helping English speaking individuals enunciate the traditionally difficult "r") and/or the treatment of individuals who stutter. In fact, speech-language pathology is concerned with a broad scope of speech, language, swallowing, and voice issues involved in communication,[2] some of which include: