Speech and language therapists’ training and service delivery with children and adults with neurogenic communication disorders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Denmark and Sweden

Abstract

Background: Speech and language therapists’ (SLT) practice with cultural and linguistic diverse (CALD) populations with acquired and congenital neurogenic communication disorders in Denmark and Sweden is becoming more urgent due to demographic changes. Aim: To investigate SLTs training, clinical practice, and issues regarding services to children and adults from CALD backgrounds with neurogenic communication disorders, in Denmark and Sweden. Methods and Procedures: A survey with 19 questions about training, assessment, intervention, and counselling related to CALD was administered to SLTs working with children and adults with neurogenic communication disorders in Denmark and Sweden. Results: 296 SLTs from Denmark and Sweden participated. About half of the respondents had received training in working with people from a different linguistic background and fewer in working with people from a different cultural background. The majority reported that they did not feel very well prepared to work with these populations. A mismatch between the SLTs language proficiencies and the languages of the served CALD population was reported. Large variations in recommendation and practice related to practice with CALD populations. However, professional interpreters were used to some extent. Conclusions and Implications: The results indicate that the SLTs in the area of neurogenic communication disorders face challenges and have a need for more training and other support about how to provide appropriate services for a CALD population.