Access to Service Provision for Multilingual Children with DLD: Current referral practices and clinicians’ opinions on barriers - Part 3

Abstract

Background: Inequitable access to support for multilingual children (MC) with DLDarises from diverse intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The present study reports on current international practices in referring MC to SLP services and identifies access barriers, as a prerequisite for recommendations for action.

Methods: As part of the MMAC survey, clinicians who worked with multilingual children were asked about current referral reasons and barriers to access to SLP services for multilingual children. Responses were received from 267 clinicians (from a total of 354 participants from 44 countries) and their answers were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated.

Results: Parental and teacher concerns were considered the most important reasons for referral. Access barriers differed by region, for example number of qualified clinicians, costs, waiting times, and discrimination. Lack of knowledge and awareness from professionals such as pediatricians were considered a main barrier.

Conclusion: The results indicate under-referral to SLP services. Interestingly, SLPs do not perceive a lack of diagnostic tools as a barrier. Professional experience and further training in the field of multilingualism seem key to reliably identify DLD in MC. Thus, it is important to ensure that education and experience with multilingual populations is integrated into professional qualifications, as well as being made available for continuing professional education However, reports of access barriers point to the need for action also at systemic levels to address issues such as cost, discrimination, and lack of knowledge about typical multilingual development.