A professional who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of speech and language problems, and engages in scientific study of human communication. Responsibilities include:

• Diagnoses and evaluates speech and language skills as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors.
• Plans, directs, or conducts habilitative and rehabilitative treatment programs to restore communicative efficiency of individuals with communication problems of organic and nonorganic etiology.
• Provides counseling and guidance and language development therapy to handicapped individuals.
• Reviews individual file to obtain background information prior to evaluation to determine appropriate tests and to ensure that adequate information is available.
• Administers, scores, and interprets specialized hearing and speech tests.
• Develops and implements individualized plans for assigned clients to meet individual needs, interests, and abilities.
• Evaluates and monitors individuals, using audio-visual equipment, such as tape recorders, overhead projectors, filmstrips, and demonstrative materials.
• Reviews treatment plan, and assesses individual performance to modify, change, or write new programs.
• Maintains records as required by law, establishment's policy, and administrative regulations.
• Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth.
• Instructs individuals to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice new skills.
• May act as consultant to educational, medical, and other professional groups.
• May conduct research to develop diagnostic and remedial techniques.
• May serve as consultant to classroom teachers to incorporate speech and language development activities into daily schedule.
• May teach manual sign language to student incapable of speaking.
• May instruct staff in use of special equipment designed to serve handicapped.
• See audiologist for one who specializes in diagnosis of, and provision of rehabilitative services for, auditory problems.