Which tasks can SLPAs NOT perform?

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) play a vital role in supporting licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), but there are boundaries to the tasks they can perform as dictated by regulatory standards. One critical task that SLPAs cannot undertake is diagnosing speech or language disorders. This responsibility rests solely with licensed SLPs, who have the necessary education, training, and scope of practice to evaluate and diagnose these conditions.

Diagnosis involves making clinical judgments based on a comprehensive assessment of a child's communication abilities, which requires advanced knowledge and skills that go beyond the training of an SLPA. SLPs are trained to interpret complex assessment data, considering various factors that contribute to a disorder's identification. Allowing SLPAs to diagnose could lead to misdiagnoses and ultimately affect the quality of care provided to individuals seeking help for communication challenges.

In contrast, SLPAs can effectively engage in conducting therapy activities, implementing treatment plans designed by licensed SLPs, and preparing therapy materials as they support the therapeutic process without infringing on the diagnostic responsibilities that are part of the SLP's professional role.