The speech, language and communication needs of rough sleepers in London.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: SLCN are highly prevalent amongst rough sleepers and significantly greater than for the UK general population. SLCN are not clearly related to rough sleeping behaviour, but the presence of additional risk factors is highly significant in this regard. Homelessness organizations should provide training for staff in SLCN in order to promote better recording of SLCN, inclusive communication and appropriate support to people who are homeless. Further research is also needed to understand better the communication needs of rough sleepers. What this study adds What is already known on the subject There is very little literature concerning the SLCN of rough sleepers, but that which exists suggests that communication needs are an area of concern. There is relatively little awareness of SLCN in practice in this field. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study is the first to provide information on SLCN recording in this population. It reports large-scale prevalence data on SLCN in rough sleepers, showing a significantly higher risk in this group. Unexpectedly, SLCN did not clearly relate to patterns of rough sleeping and accommodation, but this may be due to the relatively crude data available in routine practice. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Wider awareness and training on SLCN in the homelessness sector is needed coupled with more systematic and objective assessment of communication in rough sleepers. ...
Source: International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Int J Lang Commun Disord Source Type: research