We are: Afasic Scotland, a voluntary organisation and in respect of Questions 2d and 3 are more than happy that our comments be made public and shared with other Scottish Executive policy teams.

Background

Afasic is a registered charity supporting children and young people affected by speech, language and communication impairments (SLCI) and their families. Scottish Exective Statistical returns on the incidence of "significant language and speech disorder" varies, for primary pupils from between 4% and 19%. Afasic accepts research which indicates a level of around 7% with some level of diagnosed speech and language impairment and around around 1% of a level having significant long-term impact.

The importance of considering the impact of language and communication difficulties in children

A recent Nuffield research study into the interaction between behaviour and speech and language difficulties and discrete interventions led by Professor James Law at the Centre for Integrate Healthcare Research at QMUC concluded that there is evidence for an overlap between speech, language and communication difficulties, and emotional -behavioural difficulties in children and recommended that " emotional and behavioural outcomes be included in all intervention studies addressing children’s speech, language and communication needs. For too long, and despite the evidence of the association between them, these aspects of the child’s development have been treated as discrete. The papers reviewed suggest that it is likely that an appropriate understanding of speech, language and communication skills has a role to play in managing emotional and behavioural difficulties both in terms of the role that an understanding of speech, language and communication difficulties can play in the management of emotional and behavioural difficulties and in terms of the outcomes adopted." .

Questions 12, 13 , 14 and 15.

We would ask that this finding inform the work of the Implementation Group and that recognition of the possible impact of speech, language and communication difficulties be taken into account in considering how best to support children.

Question 17

Research indicates a high incidence of communication difficulties within the youth offending population. This should be taken into account in considering actions, and the role and contribution of Speech and Language Therapists explored.

Question 18

The ability of children and young people to exercise their rights is affected by their ability to communicate with those who have a role and/ responsibility in their respect. This implies that agencies working to meet the needs of all children should understand the implications of speech, language and communication difficulties and be able to play their part in making the dialogue with children and young people effective.

Question 19

Failure to recognise the impact of speech, language and communication difficulties and to inform and support agencies to take SLCD into consideration in working with children and young people will have a negative differential impact for children and young people so affected.

We are happy to contribute further to this consultation and to assist with raising awareness and understanding of the potential impact of SLCD in this context.