This paper provides an outline of the services available for people with DLD in Ireland as well as the gaps in those services. It gives an excellent insight into the experiences of people living in Ireland today with DLD and the views of the Speech and Language Therapists working with them. It provides a useful framework around which to build services to support these children and families. It was developed through surveys and consultations with some key stakeholders, in addition to reviewing relevant national and international research literature, policy documents and strategies. Data were gathered from focus groups of children in Ireland attending SSLD classes (Specific Speech & Language Disorder Classes) and from a focus group of parents of children with DLD. Data-gathering with speech and language therapists was undertaken through a national survey.
This paper provides an outline of the services available for people with DLD in Ireland as well as the gaps in those services. It gives an excellent insight into the experiences of people living in Ireland today with DLD and the views of the Speech and Language Therapists working with them. It provides a useful framework around which to build services to support these children and families. It was developed through surveys and consultations with some key stakeholders, in addition to reviewing relevant national and international research literature, policy documents and strategies. Data were gathered from focus groups of children in Ireland attending SSLD classes (Specific Speech & Language Disorder Classes) and from a focus group of parents of children with DLD. Data-gathering with speech and language therapists was undertaken through a national survey.
‘Developmental Language Disorder’ captures the exceptional problems that some children have in learning and generalizing certain language skills
We know that significant DLD, being a life-long condition, is not resolved with a limited number of SLT intervention sessions or by two years’ placement in an SSLD class. Our review indicates that SLT services to children with DLD in Ireland at this time remain inadequate or patchy. Service provision may be good for some children for periods of time, very poor for others, with the data indicating particularly poor service beyond middle school-age, on leaving SSLD class placements, and at educational transitions
Section 5 of this document presents our recommended Action Plan. This outlines actions required to meet the needs of those with DLD across pre-school, school-age and adolescence.
These cover: recognition and referral; assessment and identification; and care planning and service provision for all children with DLD.
The nature of and case for collaborative multi-disciplinary/cross-sectoral work to support children with DLD are presented as action points on partnership and collaboration. The section includes actions addressing the provision of adequate resources to meet needs and finally outlines actions related to research and continuing professional development needs.
IASLT urges that key stakeholders involved work together to implement each element of the action plan so that children and adolescents with DLD are assured of the best outcomes for health and well-being and full participation in education, employment and society.
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