Description of impact
This body of work focuses on improving diagnostic practice and experiences of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) through qualitative and participatory research, with a particular emphasis on integrating parents’ perspectives into service design and delivery.My doctoral research examined diagnostic procedures used by paediatric speech and language therapists in the UK, identifying factors influencing clinical decision-making. This work contributed to the evidence base underpinning diagnostic practice and informed subsequent applied research in this area.
Building on this, I was Principal Investigator on a study exploring parental experiences of DLD diagnosis using participatory approaches. A parent steering group was established and facilitated to shape research questions, study materials and dissemination, ensuring the research reflected families’ priorities and experiences.
This research has informed changes in clinical practice. Speech and language therapy services report developing diagnostic packs to support the communication of diagnoses and revising information provided to families to improve accessibility. Services have introduced reflective forums, including regular discussion groups to support practitioner confidence, and adapted clinical pathways to include earlier conversations about potential diagnosis and follow-up contact after diagnosis.
The work has also influenced professional education, prompting the inclusion of teaching on diagnostic conversations with parents within speech and language therapy training programmes.
This research has achieved national reach through knowledge exchange activity. I was invited by NAPLIC to co-develop and deliver an online learning module on diagnosing DLD, translating research findings into practical guidance for clinicians. I also contribute to shaping future research through my role as Lead for the Diagnostics strand of the RCSLT Research Priorities project.
Public engagement has been integral to this work, with collaboration with parent groups supporting families to share their experiences and contributing to the development of accessible resources, including children’s books based on lived experience of DLD.
| Category of impact | Societal impacts |
|---|---|
| Impact level | Engagement |