A speech-language pathologist (SLP) may be very helpful in helping someone with aphasia improve communication skills and cope with the disorder. There are several ways to locate a licensed and/or certified SLP.

NAA State Representatives Network
The NAA is fortunate to have a national network of health professionals who have volunteered to respond to questions from local families. Called "State Representatives," they are experienced clinicians and researchers in speech-language pathology and rehabilitation and can advise families about the resources available in their area. Their names, professional affiliations, phone, and e-mail listings are available here.

American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is the national certifying body for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The initials CCC after a speech-language pathologist's name indicate "Certificate of Clinical Competence". To earn this designation, a speech-language pathologist must:

• Complete specified course work (master's level coursework is the entry level for speech-language pathologists, and some choose to complete doctoral level coursework)
• Complete at least 400 hours of supervised clinical observation and practicum that include a variety of types and severities of speech, language and hearing disabilities
• Pass a national examination administered by an independent testing service
• Complete a supervised clinical internship program (Clinical Fellowship Year)

ASHA maintains a national database of 4,200 programs that employ certified speech-language pathologists in hospitals, clinics, other health care facilities, schools, universities or home health agencies or as private practitioners. Consumers can search by a state, city or zip code(s). The ASHA database will also list the types of payment accepted by the program and the number of certified speech-language pathologists on staff.

Contact ASHA Action Center, ASHA, 2200 Research Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-638-8255, www.asha.org.

State Licensure
In the majority of states, speech-language pathologists must obtain a license to practice from the state. In many cases, state licensure is modeled on the ASHA standards for certification. Many SLPs choose to be both certified by ASHA and licensed by the state. However, it is legal to practice as a speech-language pathologist without being certified by ASHA, provided that the practitioner meets the state's requirements. For that reason, families may also choose to contact their state speech-language-hearing association, listed in the phone book as well as on ASHA's website.

Indicators of Expertise
Speech-language pathologists may choose to specialize in a number of types of communication disorders, including stuttering, child speech and language development, voice disorders, swallowing problems, etc. Some job assignments, by the nature of the caseload, also shape the expertise of a practitioner. Therefore, ASHA's Division of Consumer Affairs suggests that families ask questions such as, "Have you treated several cases like mine?," when you consider working with a speech-language pathologist.

ASHA also has Special Interest Divisions that provide ongoing contact for professionals with similar interests. ASHA members who have a particular interest in aphasia may choose to join the Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders Special Interest Division.

Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders & Sciences (ANCDS)
The Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS) is an organization comprised of speech-language pathologists who are board-certified in dealing with neurogenic communication disorders (aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia and cognitive communication disorders associated with damage to the right side of the brain). Highly qualified practitioners who meets the organization's requirements may use the designation "BC-NCDS" after their names. Contact: ANCDS, P.O. Box 26532, Minneapolis, MN 55426, or call (952) 920-0484, www.ancds.org or info@ancds.org.