Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Australian speech-language pathologists' perspectives on service delivery to children with complex communication
Natalie Skinner1,2, Scott Barnes2
1School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia.
Purpose:
Speech-language pathologists have important opportunities to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services for children with complex communication needs. International research has explored services in relation to available augmentative and alternative communication systems and collaboration with families, yet little is known about Australian speech-language pathologists' practices. The present study explores how Australian speech-language pathologists carry out their work with children with complex communication needs in multilingual families.
Method:
Twenty-three (n = 23) Australian speech-language pathologists participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences working with children who have complex communication needs in multilingual families. Transcribed interview data were analysed with a thematic analysis approach.
Result:
One of the four main themes is explored in this paper, specifically how speech-language pathologists work to address challenges in providing interventions. Participants described how they work to: (a) Align their own and family expectations, (b) find shared and relevant ways to communicate with families, and (c) tailor resources to child and community needs.
Conclusion:
Findings raise similar challenges to international studies in this area, including the complexity of creating multilingual augmentative and alternative communication systems or adapting existing systems. Participants' experiences demonstrate both positive achievements or gains towards meeting families' needs and identify challenges faced.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this barrier...
Language and Cognition
Introduction to Language of Pathophysiology ll