Long-term effects of childhood speech and language disorders: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Speech and language disorders in childhood have the potential to affect every aspect of a child’s day-to-day life and can potentially have negative long-term impacts.

Aim: This scoping review seeks to collate the existing evidence to identify the long-term effects of childhood speech and language disorders.

Methods: A systematic search of speechBITE, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Linguistics and Language Behaviour Abstracts, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Peer-reviewed English language publications reporting on the long-term (2+-year) outcomes of individuals with a childhood history of speech or language disorders were included. Data were extracted and the study quality assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Results: Fifty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies reported mixed results, the most common of which were suboptimal mental health, social and academic outcomes for persons with a history of speech or language disorders. We found an association between childhood speech or language disorders and psychiatric disability, behavioural problems, lower socio-economic status, relationship and living difficulties, and lower academic achievement compared to the general population.

Conclusion: Individuals with a history of childhood speech or language disorders may experience long-term difficulties in mental health, social well-being and academic outcomes.