Which professional is primarily involved in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of speech, language, and swallowing?

• A. Speech language pathologist
• B. Registered dietitian
• C. Physician
• D. Psychologist

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the speech-language pathologist is the professional who focuses on preventing, assessing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of speech, language, and swallowing. They screen for issues, conduct thorough evaluations to identify specific communication or swallowing disorders, and then design and carry out therapy plans to improve articulation, language skills, voice, fluency, and safe swallowing. They also educate patients and families and coordinate care with physicians, teachers, and other clinicians in settings like hospitals, schools, and clinics. While a physician can diagnose and treat medical conditions, and a dietitian or psychologist has different primary focus areas (nutrition and mental processes, respectively), the specialized work of diagnosing and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders is the realm of the speech-language pathologist.