Communication disorders: planning a service to meet the needs

This paper reviews the size of the speech and language-disabled population in the United Kingdom by client groups and attempts to determine (1) those for whom speech therapy might be appropriate, (2) what pattern and level of speech therapy is appropriate and (3) how many speech therapists are required to provide this pattern and level of speech therapy. It is concluded that under present patterns of speech therapy provision, approximately 26 qualified speech therapists may be required per 100,000 population. However, it is argued that speech therapy may be trying to do too much and may be venturing into areas in which little, if anything, is known about its effectiveness. In conclusion, the paper argues that solutions to the current problems of speech therapy provision must come from the demand and the supply sides of the speech therapy service. The importance of treatment evaluation and further knowledge about patterns of spontaneous recovery are also discussed.