Educational and clinical qualifications of speech-language pathologists treating children with disabilities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kimbarow, Michael L.

Affiliations: Communicative Disorders and Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Michael L. Kimbarow, Ph.D., Communicative Disorders and Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0079, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The ability to communicate is arguably the most critical and fundamental human behavior. From the moment of birth through adolescence children proceed through a development process during which they master the intricacies of human communication. When this process is altered due to neurological or physical trauma, referral to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is warranted. Speech-language pathologists are uniquely qualified to work with children exhibiting a variety of communicative disabilities. The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology is awarded upon completion of a graduate degree, passing a national examination and completion of a Clinical Fellowship. This rigorous process prepares SLPs to serve children with a variety of disorders across all practice settings

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 67-73, 2008