Speech and Language Development in Children with Histories of Maltreatment: Case Studies on the Role of Speech and Language Therapy

Exposure to abuse and/or neglect in early childhood has been linked to delayed language development (McDonald, Milne, Knight, & Webster, 2013). Maltreated children often exhibit language delays compared to their non-maltreated peers (Sylvestre, Bussières, & Bouchard, 2016). Early childhood appears to be a particularly vulnerable period, highlighting the need for prompt identification and intervention.

This study aims to explore the impact of maltreatment on language development through individual profiles of children with a history of maltreatment. It also investigates the role of speech and language therapy (SLT) in supporting these children, focusing on therapy goals, progression, and the importance of individualized intervention.

Two case studies are presented of children residing in the same hospitality facility, both undergoing speech therapy evaluations. Both children performed similarly on articulation and expressive vocabulary tests and had typical cognitive development. The first case, a 6;9-year-old girl with a history of neglect, demonstrated articulation difficulties including consonant cluster simplifications and phoneme substitutions. Her expressive vocabulary was in the 60th percentile. She showed positive response to therapy and completed her program successfully. The second case, a 6;4-year-old boy with a history of sexual and physical abuse, also showed articulation difficulties with phoneme substitutions and simplifications, with expressive vocabulary in the 40th percentile. Initial behavioral challenges, including fear and trust issues, were present, but the child developed a positive therapeutic relationship and made progress over time.

These case studies underscore the role of SLTs in addressing language difficulties in children with maltreatment histories. They demonstrate the need for individualized therapy plans and long-term support, highlighting how maltreatment affects language development and the need for tailored interventions.

References:

Sylvestre, A., Bussières, È.-L., & Bouchard, C. (2016). Language problems among abused and neglected children: A meta-analytic review. Child Maltreatment, 21(1), 47-58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077559515616703

McDonald, J. L., Milne, S., Knight, J., & Webster, V. (2013). Developmental and behavioral characteristics of children enrolled in a child protection preschool. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 49(2), E142-E146.