Enhancing practice with culturally and linguistically diverse families: 6 key lessons from the field

Australia is a highly culturally and linguistically diverse nation. In order to support all Australians to develop their speech, language, and communication skills for positive lifelong outcomes, SLPs need to engage in culturally competent practice. This article draws upon an international study investigating practice with culturally and linguistically diverse families in 14 sites across four continents and five countries. The findings of this research have identified six key principles from the field that are useful for enhancing the current practices of SLPs working with families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. These six principles are: 1) getting to know yourself; 2) knowing and forming relationships withfamilies and communities; 3) setting mutually motivating goals; 4) using appropriate tools and resources; 5) collaborating with other key people, and 6) being flexible: one size does not fit all.