Speech and Language Therapy access for preschool children with Autism
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Access to Speech and Language Therapy for preschool children with Autism
IRAS ID
268236
Contact name
Iona Wood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
The language and communication ability of individuals with Autism is associated with future outcomes for mental health, social inclusion and behaviour. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of social communication interventions in improving the communication ability of individuals with autism as well as demonstrating their potential for reducing the overall impact of Autism.
The complex and often multiple needs of children with Autism requires families to navigate and access a range of services. Children with Autism have been found to have greater needs and greater unmet needs compared with children with other developmental and mental health conditions. The process of accessing Speech and Language Therapy for preschool children with Autism and their families has not been examined from the perspective of key stakeholders in the UK.
This qualitative study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the individual, service, organisational and structural factors impacting on access to Speech and Language Therapy for preschool children with Autism from the perspective of a range of stakeholders.
Semi-structured interviews will be used to collect data from individuals who have experienced/influenced Speech and Language Therapy for preschool children with Autism in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0874
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion