What Speech-Language Pathologists Do: Aphasia, Stroke, and the SLP Role

Send us Fan Mail Speech-language pathologists are the most important professionals in stroke and aphasia recovery — and most survivors do not know what they actually do until they are sitting in a session. Angie Cauthorn and Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson break down the full scope of SLP practice: what SLPs assess, how they treat aphasia and acquired communication disorders after stroke, and what survivors should expect from the therapeutic relationship. For anyone navigating post-stroke care, choosing a provider, or entering the field — this is the episode that answers the questions most people are too afraid to ask.Speech-language pathologists (SLP) work with adults with aphasia to restore communication and quality of life.  Are you making your clients feel uncomfortable or more emotional? Dr. Seles provides master clinician tips for seasoned and early career SLPs. Angie shares challenges with post-stroke aphasia including information overload. You'll hear what makes a good SLP and what Angie wishes SLPs would stop doing.Is there an insurance influence on receiving speech therapy services? We settle the debate on which rehabilitation therapy is the most important and call attention to the way SLPs are treated in the rehabilitation world. Finally, we address the melanin in the room.  Dr. Seles is the first Black SLP Angie met. Does physician-race concordance impact therapy?https://aphasiaadvocates.com/ for Brain Friends Merchhttps://aphasia.org/event/ask-the-expert-february-2026/https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seleshttps://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. ...