Language Considerations for Children Exposed to Trauma: Perspectives Through the International Classification of...

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Child Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Complex trauma significantly impacts child development, including language skills.
• Existing models may not fully capture the multifaceted effects of trauma on communication.
• The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) offers a comprehensive framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the ICF framework.
• To demonstrate how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can apply the ICF to support language skills in young children with complex trauma.
• To explore the interplay between trauma, language development, and functional communication within the ICF model.

Main Methods:

• Review of trauma types and their impact on language.
• Application of the ICF framework to analyze language impairments in traumatized children.
• Case study illustrating ICF-guided assessment and intervention.

Main Results:

• The ICF provides a unique lens to view language impairments in children with trauma.
• Understanding trauma's impact through ICF components (Body Functions & Structures, Activity, Participation, Contextual Factors) is crucial.
• The ICF facilitates a holistic approach to assessment and intervention.

Conclusions:

• The ICF framework enhances SLPs' understanding of trauma's complex effects on language development and use.
• Applying the ICF supports optimized assessment and intervention strategies.
• Utilizing the ICF promotes informed language intervention in naturalistic settings, fostering academic success.