Speech-Language Pathology in China: An Overview

Abstract

Purpose: China is a middle-income developing country that is aging rapidly. Speech-language pathology is a developing field in China. The article aims to provide a brief overview of the current status of speech-language pathology in China. Method: This article presents the authors' viewpoint, bolstered by insights from nine speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in China. To enrich the depth of the discussion on achievements and challenges within the Chinese speech-language pathology field, the authors also conducted a review of relevant articles in Standard Chinese–based databases. Result and Discussion: The authors have delineated both the major achievements and barriers in the field of speech-language pathology in China. Recommendations for improvement are included, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts from researchers, clinicians, educators, governments, and related organizations within China. Additionally, the authors extend their suggestions to clinicians and researchers in other countries. Conclusion: While the field of speech-language pathology has substantially developed in the past 40 years, several challenges confront SLPs in China at both the educational and practical levels.