The Communication Patterns between Speech-Language Therapists and Parents/Guardians of Children with Developmental Language Disorders in Private Speech-Language Therapy in Cyprus

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) experience communication difficulties and receive speech-language therapy (SLT) services in public schools and/or private clinics in Cyprus. This study aims to analyze the context and content of communication between parents/guardians (P/Gs) and speech-language therapists (SLTs) in private practice. The conducted cross-sectional study utilized nonprobability convenience sampling to recruit P/Gs of children with DLD. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, the context of communication, topics discussed, and collaboration level with the SLTs. A total of 189 P/Gs participated, of which 84.1% were married, 79.4% were mothers, and 52.4% held at least a college/university degree. Mothers primarily communicated with SLTs in the setting, discussing their children's performance, progress, behavior, difficulties, and homework. However, 48.7% felt well-informed, 47.1% fully understood their children's goals, 55.6% received thorough briefings from SLTs, 51.3% observed at least a portion of the therapy session, and 77.8% received at least an adequate amount of homework. Additionally, 73.6% reported the use of technology during SLT, and 74.5% expressed good/great satisfaction with their children's progress. Of the 31.1% reporting difficulties, 64.3% mentioned some difficulties related to homework completion and the children's behavior. The proposed solutions included increased SLT briefings, training, and P/Gs observing therapy sessions.