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Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Speech-Language Pathologists Must Have a Seat at the Table
Marie-France Perrier1,2, Caitlin Buchel3,4, Victoria Nahmad5
1Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are underutilized in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) care, despite expertise in cognitive-communication disorders. Integrating SLPs earlier and improving collaboration across health and education systems is crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to cognitive-communication disorders.
- Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) possess unique expertise to address these deficits.
- Current integration of SLPs into pediatric TBI care pathways is inconsistent and suboptimal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify gaps in SLP integration within pediatric TBI care.
- To propose strategies for enhancing SLP involvement across healthcare and educational settings.
- To synthesize perspectives from clinicians and researchers on improving pediatric TBI care pathways.
Main Methods:
- Viewpoint synthesis of insights from practicing clinicians and researchers.
- Discussions informed by the Fifth Biannual International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference.
- Identification of key issues and strategies through author perspectives and targeted questions.
Main Results:
- Young children with mild TBI (concussion) are often not assessed or treated by SLPs.
- Referral and involvement of SLPs for cognitive-communication disorders post-pediatric TBI remain inconsistent.
- Key themes highlight systemic issues and strategies for improved SLP integration.
Conclusions:
- SLPs are underutilized in pediatric TBI care despite their crucial role.
- Enhanced SLP integration requires coordinated efforts, earlier referrals, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Consistent SLP involvement is essential for timely support, promoting academic success, social participation, and long-term functional outcomes in children with TBI.
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