Health-related quality-of-life of children with speech and language difficulties: A review of the literature

Abstract

A review of the literature has been undertaken to examine health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with speech and language difficulties (SaLD), with a particular focus on evidence regarding the domains of HRQoL most affected by SaLD. Twelve electronic databases were searched for articles on this topic published from 1966 to January 2011. Seven studies suitable for inclusion were identified. These papers were reviewed in relation to their participants, sample size, study design, and outcome measures, which differed considerably across studies. From the studies reviewed, there is emerging evidence that HRQoL can be compromised for children and adolescents with SaLD relative to their peers, and some consensus that the social domain of HRQoL is most impacted. Overall, the review highlights a paucity of research in this area and recommendations are made as to how research may advance. Most importantly, studies examining the effect of child and family factors in mediating or moderating the relationship between SaLD and HRQoL are required. This knowledge will support the identification of children with SaLD at risk of poorer HRQoL outcomes and inform intervention strategies through the identification of relevant risk and protective factors.

Quality of life in children with developmental language disorder

“…Studies focused on QoL in children with communication impairments, ranging in age from birth to 18 years, consistently find negative impacts on social functioning, e.g., difficulties getting along with others (Feeney et al . ), as well as difficulties in psychosocial well‐being and school functioning (Hubert‐Dibon et al . , McKean et al .…”

Vocabulary Development and Trajectories of Behavioral and Emotional Difficulties Via Academic Ability and Peer Problems

“…Early vocabulary skills are linked to communication development, including verb growth (Longobardi, Spataro, Putnick, & Bornstein, 2017), grammar (Bates & Goodman, 2001), and related skills, such as school readiness (Morgan et al 2015). Early language difficulties are related to a multitude of poor outcomes, including lower health-related quality of life (Feeney, Desha, Ziviani, & Nicholson, 2012), difficulties in social communication and personal relationships (Schoon, Parsons, Rush, & Law, 2010), poorer educational outcomes, and reduced career opportunities (Schoon et al, 2010). Studies have shown that children with language difficulties are also at increased risk for behavioral (Botting & Conti-Ramsden, 2000;Bretherton et al, 2014) and emotional difficulties (Goh Kok Yew & O'Kearney, 2015).…”

Consequential differences in perspectives and practices concerning children with developmental language disorders: an integrative review

“…Of particular relevance, Feeney et al . () discussed ‘ school functioning ’, the degree to which a child can participate in school, as being an important measure of outcome (table : 16). Such a perspective is aligned with those in the education literature about desired outcomes.…”

“…In two further studies from SLTs, the importance of measuring outcomes more broadly are discussed, that is, the need to consider the wider impact of DLD on a child's quality of life (table 1: 16,23). Of particular relevance, Feeney et al (2012a) discussed 'school functioning', the degree to which a child can participate in school, as being an important measure of outcome (table 1: 16). Such a perspective is aligned with those in the education literature about desired outcomes.…”