Children with speech and language disability: caseload characteristics

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Speech and Language Pathology
• Public Health Epidemiology
• Child Communication Disorders

Background:

• No prior UK incidence surveys for pediatric speech and language therapy referrals exist.
• Previous prevalence data on communication difficulties are inconsistent, hindering service planning.
• Need for reliable data on impairment nature, severity, referral demographics, and socio-cultural factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document referrals to a pediatric speech and language therapy service in a socially deprived UK area (Middlesborough Primary Care Trust).
• To analyze referral data from January 1999 to April 2000.
• To establish incidence rates and characteristics of communication disorders in referred children.

Main Methods:

• All referrals were offered initial assessment within 8 weeks.
• Standardized tests and age-appropriate quantitative measures assessed communication difficulties.
• Demographic data, including population and case history, were collected.

Main Results:

• Annual incidence of referred children attending assessment with speech/language disability was 14.6%.
• Referral types included dysfluency (5.3%), voice/nasality (2.0%), receptive language (20.4%), expressive language (16.9%), and speech difficulties (29.1%).
• Most referrals were aged 2-6 years, with more boys than girls; gender and socio-economic status influenced diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Estimated national incidence of referred children with speech and language disability is 85,000-90,000 annually (14.6% of births).
• Findings from this single trust suggest a significant need for pediatric speech and language therapy services.
• Data can inform service planning and resource allocation for pediatric speech and language therapy.