An Exploration of the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Speech-Language Pathology -- Potential Impacts

Authors

• Manish K. Rami, University of North DakotaFollow

Abstract

Purpose: This paper explores the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the profession of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). AI is widely recognized as a transformative force, presenting opportunities across both service delivery and professional practice in SLP. Method: The analysis employs the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's  Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology as an organizing framework to systematically evaluate AI applications across professional and service delivery domains. Within each domain, the study identifies emerging use cases, evaluates the capacity for AI technologies to automate or augment clinical processes, and examines broader implications for the profession, with particular attention to anticipated changes in clinical practice, educational curricula, and professional training requirements. It also addresses associated challenges, including data bias and the “black box” problem while advocating for proactive engagement with AI technologies. Results: AI will reshape the field, serving as a collaborative partner for SLPs, enhancing efficiency, and expanding access to care rather than replacing human professionals. Conclusion: Graduate programs and the discipline is urged to act swiftly and adopt AI. Professional organizations across the world need to develop guidelines for the use of AI in service delivery and professional practice in SLP.

Author Bio(s)

Manish K. Rami, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Dakota. His research spans diverse areas of speech-language pathology, with recent emphasis on the integration of artificial intelligence in the profession. His earlier work examined the ameliorative effects of altered auditory feedback on the speech of people who stutter, speech acoustics, and reports of statistical power and effects sizes in SLP. Dr. Rami has also developed s/w tools for use in SLP.

Acknowledgements

The author also acknowledges the fact that sections in this paper have needed to be updated and expanded over the course of mere months. Given the swift rise of AI and agents, some ideas presented in this paper may become obsolete or be discarded in the near future. CoPilot was used to improve this manuscript. A single prompt used was as follows. “Review (…text…) for clarity and flow.” Finally, ideas presented in this article may be easily extended to the discipline of audiology. Audiology was not addressed directly to minimize duplication.

Recommended Citation

Rami MK. An Exploration of the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Speech-Language Pathology -- Potential Impacts. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 01;24(2), Article 17.