Clegg Judy, Crawford Ellen, Spencer Sarah, Matthews Danielle
Division of Human Communication Sciences, Health Sciences School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TS, UK.
Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 2LT, UK.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 13;18(8):4107. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18084107.
Research indicates children and young people in care have a high prevalence of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) as part of a complex set of vulnerabilities. This study describes the profile of language, literacy and communication abilities of a cohort of care leavers. The language, literacy and communication abilities of 44 young people leaving care between the ages of 16 and 26 years were assessed using standardized measures. Demographic data about the young people was collected along with a survey to key staff to capture their perceptions and experiences of the language and communication abilities of these young people. Ninety percent of the care leavers' language abilities were below average and over 60% met criteria for DLD in combination with literacy difficulties, developmental disorders and social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH). The implications of unidentified DLD on the lives of young people leaving care is discussed. Earlier identification of DLD is advocated to enable services to intervene to facilitate more positive outcomes and life chances for this very vulnerable population.
研究表明，受照料的儿童和年轻人中，发育性语言障碍（DLD）的患病率很高，这是一系列复杂脆弱性的一部分。本研究描述了一组离开照料机构的年轻人的语言、读写能力和沟通能力概况。使用标准化测量方法评估了44名年龄在16至26岁之间离开照料机构的年轻人的语言、读写能力和沟通能力。收集了这些年轻人的人口统计数据，并对关键工作人员进行了一项调查，以了解他们对这些年轻人语言和沟通能力的看法和经历。90%的离开照料机构者的语言能力低于平均水平，超过60%符合发育性语言障碍标准，同时存在读写困难、发育障碍以及社会、情感和心理健康问题（SEMH）。文中讨论了未被识别的发育性语言障碍对离开照料机构的年轻人生活的影响。提倡更早识别发育性语言障碍，以便服务机构能够进行干预，为这一极其脆弱的人群促成更积极的结果和生活机遇。
