Speech language pathology (or speech and language pathology) is a field of expertise practiced by a clinician known as a speech language pathologist (SLP)[1] or a speech and language therapist, both of whom may be known by the shortened description, speech therapist. Speech language pathology is considered[by whom ] a ''related health profession'' or ''allied health profession'',[clarification needed] along with audiology, optometry, occupational therapy, rehabilitation psychology, physical therapy, behavior analysis and others.'