Children's views of speech and language therapy in school: consulting children with communication difficulties

Abstract

Children have the right to express their views and to participate actively in decisions that concern them. Implementing this principle in clinical practice poses a methodological challenge to therapists working with children with communication difficulties. In a pilot study, therapists working in mainstream primary schools conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 clients, aged 6–11 years with communication difficulties. The interviews elicited valuable information about these children's experience of speech and language therapy and about their general communication at school and at home. Methods of interviewing were evaluated and recommendations made for ways of increasing children's participation in planning and reviewing therapy.

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