puheterapeutin

Puheterapeutin is a health professional who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, communication, voice and swallowing disorders. The work includes supporting children in developing speech and language skills, helping adults regain or compensate for communication difficulties after neurological events, and addressing disorders that affect fluency, articulation, voice and swallowing. The term is used as the feminine form in several languages; the profession is commonly known as speech-language pathology or logopedics in many countries.

Education and regulation: Puheterapeutin typically requires a university degree in logopedics or speech-language pathology and a professional license or registration where required. Training covers anatomy, linguistics, psychology, assessment methods and evidence-based therapies. Ongoing professional development is often mandated to maintain credentials.

Practice settings and roles: Puheterapeutin work in hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers and private practices, and may provide home or telepractice services. They assess communication and swallowing, set therapy goals, design individualized treatment plans, and monitor progress. They collaborate with families, teachers and other healthcare professionals to support clients across contexts.

Specializations and techniques: Areas of focus include pediatric language development, articulation disorders, stuttering, aphasia, apraxia of speech, dysarthria, voice disorders and dysphagia. They employ various therapy techniques, screening tools and, when appropriate, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Assessments may involve standardized tests, observation and instrumental evaluations in collaboration with other specialists.

Impact and regulation: The aim is to improve communication, safety during swallowing and overall quality of life. The profession is regulated differently by country and region; ethical standards and client confidentiality are central.