Speech Pathology Australia is the national professional association for speech pathologists in Australia. The Association supports and regulates the ethical, clinical and professional standards of the profession, as well as lobbying and advocating for access to services that benefit people with communication and swallowing difficulties. Membership is open to applicants who meet the Association’s eligibility requirements. The Association is recognised by government as the professional body representing speech pathologists in Australia. Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, reading and writing, stuttering and voice. People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drinking safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist. Speech pathologists work with people who have communication and swallowing difficulties that: - arise from premature birth, or may be present from birth (e.g., cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, hearing impairments and cleft palate); or - occur as a result of physical, intellectual or sensory disability or a mental illness; or - emerge during early childhood (e.g., speech and language disorders, stuttering, difficulties learning to read and write); or - occur during adult years (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, head/ neck cancers, neurodegenerative disorders such as motor neurone disease); or - develop in the elderly (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease). Speech pathologists work in a variety of settings, including public and private hospitals; early intervention; child care and education settings; community health and rehabilitation centres; corporate organisations; correctional and juvenile justice facilities; disability services; universities; mental health services; residential accommodation; aged care facilities; private homes; and private speech pathology clinics.