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Speech Pathology Australia: Speech Pathology in Schools Project
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It is important that assessment take place in
the dominant language, as assessment in the
non-dominant language may falsely suggest
language disorder due to a lack of exposure or
proficiency in this language.
Assessment of multilingual speakers with
acquired speech and/or language disorders
must consider patterns of use in both
languages. It is important to assess the
communicative contexts in which each language
is needed. Assessment in all the multilingual
student’s languages is recommended.
The provision of intervention for speech,
language and communication difficulties in all
of the languages spoken by an individual is the
current recommendation for best practice. Much
research has shown that often intervention is
only provided in the language of the speech
pathologist (usually English) and not in the
languages spoken by the person receiving
intervention. However, intervention in the home
language has been found to have positive effects
on the development of additional languages.
Decision-making around the choice of
language(s) for intervention must be done
in collaboration with the family and teacher
to facilitate optimal participation in all of an
individual’s contexts. Factors to be taken into
account include:
• family preferences and attitudes;
• the range of linguistic and cultural contexts
in which a person participates;
• current/past proficiency in both languages;
• levels of English proficiency within the
home;
• the availability of resources to support
intervention in the home language; and
• the speech pathologist’s skills in languages
other than English.
Additionally, many factors need to be taken
into account when selecting and implementing
an alternative or augmentative communication
system for use in families from CALD
backgrounds.
Finally, students, families, schools and
communities are excellent resources for
understanding students’ cultures and languages.
Participate in cultural activities and events in
order to learn and make partnerships that will
benefit your students.