1.Language Intervention for Late Talkers: The Experiences of Speech-Language Pathologists in Malaysia (Intervensi Bahasa untuk Kanak-kanak Lambat Bercakap: Pengalaman Terapis Pertuturan-Bahasa di Malaysia)
Nur Hanisah Tukiran ; Nor Azrita Mohamed Zain ; Nurlin Ali Hanafiah
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2023;21(No.1):15-27
A few studies have investigated the practise patterns of Malaysian speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when working
with children with speech and language problems whose language intervention is necessary. However, these studies did
not provide in-depth information about the SLPs' experiences as the studies were conducted quantitatively. Moreover,
none of the studies focus on late-talkers (LTs), in which intervention for them can vary along a continuum from a wait/
watch-and-see approach to direct intervention. Thus, this study aimed to explore SLPs’ experiences in managing LTs in
Malaysia. Twelve SLPs participated in individual, semi-structured phone interviews. They were asked about their
experiences in managing LTs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and a content analysis was performed. Two
themes were identified; a) practises of SLPs and b) challenges faced by SLPs in managing LT cases. The practises of
SLPs included conducting assessments, developing intervention plans, providing intervention, sharing information,
giving homework, providing support, and managing appointments. The challenges faced were related to parents, other
individuals close to LTs, LTs themselves, and resources. Although the SLPs’ practises aligned with the international
standard of speech-language pathology service delivery, there is room for improvement, especially in collaborating with
parents, as one-to-one direct interventions for LTs might not be suitable due to the challenges related to resources. In
addition, a few suggestions related to centred-based care and trusted social media pages can be provided to parents to
assist them outside therapy sessions besides initiating the development of awareness programs and information resources
for parents and other caregivers.
2.Parent-Implemented Language Intervention for Late Talkers: A Scoping Review (Intervensi Bahasa Dilaksanakan Ibu Bapa untuk Kanak-kanak Lambat Bercakap: Satu Tinjauan Skop)
Nur Hanisah Tukiran ; Nor Azrita Mohamed Zain ; Natrah Ahmad Nordin ; Nadzirah Ahmad Basri
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2023;21(No.1):29-49
Parent-implemented language intervention (PILI) is one of the intervention approaches used in managing late talkers
(LTs). Yet, there are few evidence-based PILI programs available for parents of LTs. This scoping review aimed to (a)
assess the characteristics of participants depicted in the literature related to PILI programs for parents of LTs, (b)
provide an overview of the structure and design of the available PILI programs for parents of LTs, and (c) explore the
effectiveness of the programs in relation to the characteristics of reviewed studies. The scoping review was performed
by adhering to the general principles prescribed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Articles that fulfilled the inclusion
criteria and were published from 1980 to 2018 were selected. Two reviewers independently charted the information from
the identified articles. A total of 15 articles were selected. The results were reviewed in terms of participant characteristics,
intervention characteristics, and effectiveness of PILI programs. Most adult participants in PILI studies were mothers
and included child participants with either expressive language delay or receptive and expressive language delay.
Moreover, there were different structures and designs of PILI programs for parents of LTs. Preliminary evidence
indicated that PILI was more effective than no/delayed intervention and could be as effective as direct therapy provided
by clinicians. A discussion related to the findings was also presented.