Speech-language pathology is a field of expertise practiced by a clinician known as a speech-language pathologist or a speech and language therapist, both of whom may be known by the shortened description, speech therapist. A Speech Pathologist has been trained to assess and treat individuals who have a communication disability. Speech pathologists also work with people who have difficulties swallowing food and drink. Speech Pathologists or Speech and Language Pathologists were formerly known as speech therapists.Speech refers to the actual sound of spoken language. Language refers to a whole system of words and symbols written, spoken or expressed with gestures and body language that is used to communicate meaning. Just as speech and language differ, there's a difference between speech disorders and language disorders.