Childhood speech disorders: reported prevalence, comorbidity and socioeconomic profile

To describe the reported prevalence, comorbidity and socioeconomic status (SES) of children with speech disorders.

Data from the 1995 Australian Health Survey were used. Information relating to the health of 12 388 children aged 0-14 years was collected via face-to-face interviews with a responsible adult. Speech disorders were recorded if children had reported difficulty talking, producing speech sounds, or who stuttered.

The prevalence of childhood speech disorders (CSD) was 1.7% (n = 209). Of this group, 25.8% (n = 54) had a developmental delay or intellectual impairment; when these were excluded, the prevalence of CSD was reduced to 1.3% (n = 155). Among males, the peak prevalence occurred at age 5 (6.5%), for females the highest rates were for 3-4-year-olds (1.8%). Children with a speech disorder had a greater number of additional health problems. No relationship was found between SES and CSD.

Children with speech disorders often have complex health and developmental needs. Developing effective prevention programs with a view to improving the long-term health and social outcomes of these children will require a mix of individual (clinical) and population-based (public-health) strategies.