Sleep problem screening of young children by speech-language pathologists: A mixed-methods feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Poor sleep is prevalent in early childhood and negatively impacts language development.
• Sleep and language problems frequently co-occur in young children.
• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are well-positioned to identify sleep issues in children with communication difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of SLPs screening for behavioral sleep problems and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms.
• To evaluate the integration of sleep screening into multidisciplinary pediatric evaluation centers.

Main Methods:

• SLPs administered the Short Form-Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and a pediatric sleep questionnaire to parents of children aged 2-6 years.
• Focus groups were conducted with SLPs before and after screening to gather feedback on training, experience, and feasibility.
• Screening duration was assessed for seamless integration into clinical practice.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of sleep problems: 78% for behavioral sleep issues and 31% for SDB.
• Parent-reported sleep problems were significantly associated with SDB (p=0.00).
• SLPs reported no formal sleep training but found screening feasible and aligned with their professional role, though additional SDB training is needed.

Conclusions:

• Sleep problem screening by SLPs is feasible and can enhance surveillance of sleep issues and risk factors for developmental language disorders.
• The prevalence of sleep problems in this cohort was higher than in general community samples.
• SLPs endorsed the utility and feasibility of incorporating sleep screening and education into their practice.