Services for children with Pacific Islander heritage: Practices and aspirations of Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathology is an emerging profession within the Pacific Islands; however, many children from these countries have migrated across the world. This mixed-methods study identified 54 SLPs/SLPAs’ current and aspirational practices for working with Pacific Islander children and youth with communication difficulties in English-speaking countries. Almost half (22) had provided services to children with Pacific Islander heritage (Maori, Fijian, Tongan). Most children were only assessed in English, few were assessed in Pacific language(s). SLPs identified numerous gaps in the available resources to support culturally safe and responsive services for this population including: assessment and intervention resources, statements on the use of dynamic and informal assessments, information on Pacific Islander family dynamics, communication development and language socialisation practices.