Sources of Evidence
Language disorders are usually managed by a multidisciplinary team. Speech and language therapists usually guide the management and the majority of children in the UK will be under their care. Members of the team that may be able to provide valuable evidence include -:
| Sources of Evidence | Information Provided | Limitation of Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Parent / Carer | First source of information about details of GP and Consultant appointments and prescription of medication. | Does not have specialist knowledge. |
| • Speech and language therapist (SALT)
• Paediatrician • Occupational Therapist |
The role of the speech and language therapist is varied, and includes -:
Assessment:
Treatment:
|
It is important to determine who is regularly managing the child’s condition to enable contact with the appropriate healthcare professional. |
| Educational Psychologist | May be a part of multidisciplinary team managing child’s condition. Perform assessments as well as involved in delivering interventions. | Same as above |
| Audiologist | May be involved in cases where the language disorder is associated with a hearing problem. | Same as above |
| GP | May have been involved at initial referral stages; may be helpful in providing information in cases where the child is no longer under tertiary care. | Same as above |
| School | Teachers may have been involved at initial referral stages; often collaboration with SALTs and teachers during assessment/intervention. Particularly helpful in providing information on ongoing academic/social impact or in cases where the child is no longer under tertiary care. | Same as above |
It is important to determine who is regularly managing the child’s condition to enable contact with the appropriate healthcare professional.
