What should I do if I think that my child may have a speech, language, or hearing problem?

[en Español]

If you think your child may have a speech, language, or hearing problem, you can contact an ASHA-certified:

• Audiologist -audiologists specialize in prevention, diagnosis, identification, and non-medical treatment of individuals with hearing loss and balance disorders.

• Speech-language pathologist -speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help people develop their communication abilities as well as treat speech, languages, swallowing, and voice disorders. Their services include prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are certified by ASHA have completed their master's or doctoral degree and earned ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work in many different types of facilities:

• clinics
• colleges and universities
• home health
• hospitals
• industry
• nursing care facilities
• private practices
• public and private schools
• rehabilitation centers
• state and federal government agencies
• state and local health departments

To contact a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, visit ASHA's Find a Professional.