Career of the Week - Speech Language Therapist / Speech Pathologist

Known in the UK is speech language therapists and elsewhere in the world as speech pathologists, we are allied health professionals who are trained to assess, diagnose and treat adults or children with difficulties in speech communication, voice and swallowing. Besides assessment and intervention, SLTs also provide some counselling, advice and information for families and caregivers.

What kinds of clients are referred to us?

Adults and children are referred to the SLTs for intervention in the following problems:

- Speech-Difficulties pronouncing words

- Language and/or learning-Difficulties understanding and using spoken or written words

- Voice-Problems with voice fatigue or hoarseness

- Swallowing and feeding-Problems arise secondary to strokes or other neurological conditions

- Hearing loss - Hearing impaired children or adults with speech and language difficulties

The SLTs provide paediatric services for children who have speech delay or other developmental disorders such as a learning disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Down Syndrome. Paediatric feeding assessments and intervention are conducted on children as young as one or two months for conditions such as a Cerebral Palsy, Cleft lip and/or palate, global developmental delays.

The SLTs also provide adult rehabilitation services for adults who experience swallowing and/or language problems secondary to a stroke or other neurological disorders. Typical problems encountered in Brunei are dysphagia, aphasia, dysarthria and apraxia of speech.

Manpower

In Brunei Darussalam, we currently have five speech language therapists (SLTs) working under the Ministry of Health (huge focus on clinical setting) and one SLT under Ministry of Education (focus is in education). These SLTs are placed in different settings to accommodate the increasing case load in Brunei.

Scope of work

The MoE SLT works alongside class teachers, special needs teachers as well as parents to assist students with speech and/or learning difficulties. This is essential to maximize his/her potential within a school setting. The MoE SLT is also involved in individualizing a specific education plan for students.

The MoH SLTs work in hospital settings, playgroup centres and the Child Development Centre. Currently, there is one SLT who covers KB and Tutong hospital. Visiting SLT services to Temburong are conducted once every the three months.

Relevant degrees

Bachelor of Science in Speech Therapy and Pathology, Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Masters of Speech Pathology Studies

For potential students interested in pursuing a career in speech language therapy, please make sure that the degree is relevant to the profession and accredited by the Ministry of Education.

Universities

United Kingdom- University of Reading, University of Sheffield, Newcastle University

Australia- University of Queensland, LaTrobe University

For potential students interested in pursuing a career in speech language therapy, please make sure that the University that you are applying to is accredited by the Ministry of Education.

How to contact us

We are located in the:

Speech Language Therapy Clinic

3^rd Floor

Specialist Clinic Block

RIPAS Hospital

You can also call us at 2232111 ext 4201/4203/4204 for more information, or should you have any questions.

For potential students interested in pursuing a career in speech language therapy, make contact with us and arrange for a week’s attachment so you can see what speech therapy is like “from the inside”!

Images Courtesy of and Written by one of the speech pathologists in RIPAS Hospital, Brunei