When Professional Integrity Breaks: Why the ASHA Cheating Scandal Matters for Adult & Forensic Speech-Language Pathology

The recent cheating scandal within the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has raised serious concerns about professional accountability in speech-language pathology. While uncomfortable, this moment highlights an issue that directly affects adult and forensic cases: trust.

In adult neurogenic and forensic speech-language pathology, evaluations are not academic exercises. They influence medical decision-making, legal strategies, and determinations of capacity, comprehension, and communication reliability. When professional standards are bypassed, the consequences extend far beyond the profession itself.

Why This Matters in Adult and Forensic Work

In high-stakes cases, there is no margin for “good enough.” Adult and forensic speech-language pathology requires:

• Defensible clinical reasoning

• Transparent documentation

• Ethical decision-making under scrutiny

• Functional analysis in real-world contexts

Shortcuts in training and assessment undermine the validity of evaluations that must withstand medical review, legal challenge, and cross-examination.

Why I Practice Differently

At EJT Communication Consultant LLC, my work focuses on adult and forensic speech-language pathology where rigor matters. I specialize in forensic speech-language pathology evaluations and expert forensic SLP consultation , as well as adult cognitive-communication therapy beyond insurance-driven models

My practice is grounded in:

• Evidence-based assessment

• Functional, real-world communication analysis

• Ethical standards aligned with legal and medical accountability

This includes capacity and competency evaluations and communication reliability in legal settings —areas where professional integrity is not optional.

Choosing the Right Speech-Language Pathologist

If you are an attorney, physician, or adult client seeking speech-language pathology services, it is critical to work with a clinician dedicated to ethical, defensible practice. Learn more about my background as a speech-language pathologist focused on high-stakes adult and forensic cases.

In adult and forensic speech-language pathology, integrity is not an abstract value. It is the foundation of the work.

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