The role of speech-language therapists with children and young people who have experienced maltreatment: A systematized review

A growing body of research highlights the increased risk of communication disorders for children and young people (CYP) who have experienced maltreatment. Provision of communication support for maltreated CYP is endorsed by a number of professional speech pathology associations; however, research describing the role and practice of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with this population is limited. This systematized review aims to describe the role of SLPs when working with CYP who have experienced maltreatment, how SLPs are using their skills and knowledge with this population, and the factors that influence clinical practice. A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted across seven databases. A total of 12 studies met inclusion criteria. These articles were critiqued, and meaningful themes were generated using reflexive thematic analysis. The thematic analysis revealed two themes and three subthemes: (1) SLPs use their skills in flexible ways to meet the complex needs of CYP who have experienced maltreatment: (a) assessment considerations, (b) models of practice, and (c) SLPs strive to provide trauma-informed care; and (2) Clinician-level and service-level factors influence SLP’s clinical practice with this population. High rates of communication difficulties for maltreated CYP highlights an important role for SLPs in the provision of targeted and universal support with this population. Further research is required to not only inform evidence-based clincial approaches for SLPs, but to also advocate for the role of SLPs in the early identification and prevention of the adverse impacts of child maltreatment.