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What Influences Speech Pathology Practice for Children with Complex Communication Needs from Multilingual Families? An Australian Perspective

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Title: What Influences Speech Pathology Practice for Children with Complex Communication Needs from Multilingual Families? An Australian Perspective
Language: English
Authors: Natalie Skinner (ORCID 0000-0001-6539-3683), Scott Barnes (ORCID 0000-0001-5299-0550)
Source: International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2026 61(3).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Descriptors: Speech Language Pathology, Multilingualism, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Foreign Countries, English, Barriers, Non English Speaking, Allied Health Personnel, Counselor Client Relationship, Language Role
Geographic Terms: Australia
DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.70244
ISSN: 1368-2822
1460-6984
Abstract: Background: Supporting the development of children with complex communication needs, including development of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems is a multifaceted process. Currently this support does not consistently meet the needs of multilingual families and there is little research to guide and improve practice. Aims: The present study sought to explore influences on Australian speech pathologists' practice in their work with children with complex communication needs, in multilingual families. Methods and Procedures: Twenty-three (n = 23) Australian speech pathologists working with culturally and linguistically diverse families of children with complex communication needs were interviewed. Transcribed interview data was analysed with a Thematic Analysis approach. Outcomes and Results: Four main themes were identified in this study: 1) Expectations of speech pathology services; 2) Pervasiveness of English; 3) Working to address challenges; and, 4) Reflecting on growth and constraints. Findings demonstrate that Australian speech pathologists share many challenges with the international community of speech pathologists in this aspect of service delivery. Speech pathologists navigated differences in their own and family's perspectives and expectations relating to communication, disability and AAC. Pervasiveness of English in Australian society also presented barriers. Conclusions and implications: The wide range of cultural and language backgrounds in Australia raised challenges in access to and development of necessary and appropriate resources. Systemic restrictions impacted participants' ability to deliver services that meet families' cultural and linguistic needs.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506874
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: What Influences Speech Pathology Practice for Children with Complex Communication Needs from Multilingual Families? An Australian Perspective
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  Data: English
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Natalie+Skinner%22">Natalie Skinner</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6539-3683">0000-0001-6539-3683</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Scott+Barnes%22">Scott Barnes</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5299-0550">0000-0001-5299-0550</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22International+Journal+of+Language+%26+Communication+Disorders%22"><i>International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders</i></searchLink>. 2026 61(3).
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  Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research<br />Tests/Questionnaires
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Speech+Language+Pathology%22">Speech Language Pathology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Multilingualism%22">Multilingualism</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Augmentative+and+Alternative+Communication%22">Augmentative and Alternative Communication</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22English%22">English</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Barriers%22">Barriers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Non+English+Speaking%22">Non English Speaking</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Allied+Health+Personnel%22">Allied Health Personnel</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Counselor+Client+Relationship%22">Counselor Client Relationship</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Language+Role%22">Language Role</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Australia%22">Australia</searchLink>
– Name: DOI
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  Data: 10.1111/1460-6984.70244
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  Data: 1368-2822<br />1460-6984
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Background: Supporting the development of children with complex communication needs, including development of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems is a multifaceted process. Currently this support does not consistently meet the needs of multilingual families and there is little research to guide and improve practice. Aims: The present study sought to explore influences on Australian speech pathologists' practice in their work with children with complex communication needs, in multilingual families. Methods and Procedures: Twenty-three (n = 23) Australian speech pathologists working with culturally and linguistically diverse families of children with complex communication needs were interviewed. Transcribed interview data was analysed with a Thematic Analysis approach. Outcomes and Results: Four main themes were identified in this study: 1) Expectations of speech pathology services; 2) Pervasiveness of English; 3) Working to address challenges; and, 4) Reflecting on growth and constraints. Findings demonstrate that Australian speech pathologists share many challenges with the international community of speech pathologists in this aspect of service delivery. Speech pathologists navigated differences in their own and family's perspectives and expectations relating to communication, disability and AAC. Pervasiveness of English in Australian society also presented barriers. Conclusions and implications: The wide range of cultural and language backgrounds in Australia raised challenges in access to and development of necessary and appropriate resources. Systemic restrictions impacted participants' ability to deliver services that meet families' cultural and linguistic needs.
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 15
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      – SubjectFull: Speech Language Pathology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Multilingualism
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
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      – SubjectFull: English
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      – SubjectFull: Barriers
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      – SubjectFull: Non English Speaking
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      – SubjectFull: Allied Health Personnel
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Counselor Client Relationship
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      – SubjectFull: Language Role
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      – SubjectFull: Australia
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