- Speech pathologists work with people who have communication and swallowing disabilities. They have a particular focus on helping children aged 0 5 who have developmental speech and language difficulties; providing specialist support to school-aged children and adolescents with language, learning, and reading difficulties; implementing rehabilitation programs with adults who have had a brain injury; supporting children and adults with complex medical, developmental and acquired conditions such as autism, cleft palate and dementia with communication and swallowing; and working with a variety of professionals in optimising their voice and vocal skills.