During phase 1 of the project, data from parents and teachers of 4,983 children in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) were analysed to identify the prevalence of speech and language impairment and risk factors associated with speech impairment.
Findings revealed:
- Speech and language impairment is a high prevalence condition in early childhood
- Approximately 25% of 4- to 5- year-old children were identified by parents/teachers as having difficulty with talking.
- Consistent risk factors for speech and language impairment are being male, having ongoing hearing problems, and having a more reactive temperament.
- Protective factors are a more persistent temperament and higher level of maternal wellbeing.
During Phase 2, screening data relating to 1,097 children (from 33 early childhood centres in 8 locations) were collected as part of the Sound Effects Study to determine the prevalence of speech impairment as reported by parents and teachers, and to look at the link between parent and teacher identification.
Findings revealed:
- There is a high correspondence between parent and teacher identification of speech impairment, which is supported by direct assessment conducted by a speech pathologist
- When concern about a child's communication skills is identified, 'speech not clear to others' is the most common reason for concern.
Related publications:
- Harrison, L. J. & McLeod, S. (in press, 2009). Risk factors for speech and language impairment in a nationally representative sample of 4 to 5-year-old children. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, published online September 28, 2009. doi: 10.1044/1092-4388(2009/08-0086)
Available at: http://jslhr.asha.org/cgi/content/abstract/1092-4388_2009_08-0086v1 - McLeod, S., & Harrison, L. J. (2009). Epidemiology of speech and language impairment in a nationally representative sample of 4- to 5-year-old children. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 52(5), 1213-1229.
Available at: http://jslhr.asha.org/cgi/content/full/52/5/1213
