Online assessment and treatment of childhood speech, language and literacy disorders

The prevalence of childhood speech and language disorders has been reported to be as high as 13% in the Australian population, while reading disability accounts for approximately 80-90% of all diagnosed learning disability cases. Early identification and intervention is imperative, however, the provision of speech pathology services to individuals living in rural communities is difficult due to issues such as recruiting and retaining professionals. Telehealth is recognised as a valuable alternative method of service delivery, improving the quality and delivery of healthcare. However, telehealth applications for the delivery of speech pathology services are few in number, particularly in the area of paediatric disorders.

This project aims to validate the use of telehealth in the assessment and treatment of childhood communication and reading disorders. Phase One aims to validate the online assessment of childhood speech, language and literacy disorders. Three groups of participants will undergo a battery of formal and informal assessments, conducted simultaneously by two clinicians in a FTF situation, and in an online environment. The assessment will be led by either the FTF clinician, using standard procedures, or by the online clinician, using videoconferencing tools. The other clinician will rate the assessments as an observer. The results obtained from each clinician will be compared. Phase Two aims to validate the online treatment of childhood literacy disorders using a phonological awareness program. A group of children will be treated via the online telehealth application and the effects of the program on phonological awareness, reading and spelling, will be determined. It is anticipated that this project will result in the development of valid online assessment and treatment protocols for children with communication disorders.