During Phase 3 (assessments), the 157 children were invited to draw a picture of themselves talking to somebody. These pictures were analysed to understand how children with speech impairment perceive talking.
Findings revealed:
- Children with speech impairment perceive talking as a 'happy' event and are generally happy about the way they talk
In Phase 4, interviews were conducted with 13 children and 21 significant others (family members and teachers) to understand the experience of living with childhood speech impairment.
Findings revealed:
- Significant others (family members, teachers) identified the speech problem as only one of the problems they experienced.
- They recognised 2 other problems:
a) their own difficulties with listening to (understanding) the child, and
b) the child's frustration when communication breaks down - The children often perceived only the others listening problem.
Related publications
- Holliday, E. L., Harrison, L. J., & McLeod, S. (2009). Listening to children with communication impairment talking through their drawings. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 7(3), 244-263.
- McCormack, J., McLeod, S., McAllister, L. & Harrison, L. J. (in press, 2010). My speech problem, your listening problem, and my frustration: The experience of living with childhood speech impairment. Language, Speech and Hearing Services in Schools. DOI:10.1044/0161-1461(2009/08-0129)
- McLeod, S., Harrison, L. J. Holliday, E., McCormack, J., & McAllister, L. (2009, May). Children draw talking: Art exhibition. Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, Adelaide.
- McCormack, J., McLeod, S., Harrison, L. J., McAllister, L., & Holliday, E. L. (2010). A different view of talking: How children with speech impairment picture their speech. ACQuiring Knowledge in Speech, Language, and Hearing, 12(1), 10-15.
