Article

PURPOSE: Two objectives are being pursued: (1) to describe the level of social
participation of children aged 8-12 presenting a specific language impairment
(SLI) and (2) to identify personal and family factors associated with their level
of social participation. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted among
29 children with SLI and one of their parents.
Parental stress and family
adversity were measured as risk factors. The measure of life habits (LIFE-H)
adapted to children aged 5-3 was used to measure social participation. RESULTS:
The assumption that social participation of these children is impaired in
relation to the communication dimension was generally confirmed. The statements
referring to the "communication in the community" and "written communication" are
those for which the results are weaker. "Communication at home" is made easier
albeit with some difficulties, while "telecommunication" is totally preserved. A high level of parental stress is also confirmed, affecting the willingness of
parents to support their child's autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: The achievement of a
normal lifestyle of children with SLI is upset in many spheres of life. Methods
of intervention must better reflect the needs and realities experienced by these
children in their various living environments, in order to optimize social
participation, and consequently, to improve their well-being and that of their
families. The need to develop strategies to develop children's independence and
to reduce parental stress must be recognized and all stakeholders need to be
engaged in the resolution of this challenge. Implications for Rehabilitation The
realization of life habits of SLI children is compromised at various levels,
especially in the domain related to "communication in the community" and "written
communication". Speech-language pathologists must consider providing ongoing
support throughout the primary years of these children and during adolescence, to
promote and facilitate the continued realization of life habits of SLI persons.
Providing ongoing support throughout the primary years and thereafter is needed
to facilitate the continuing realization of life habits of SLI persons. Parents
of children with SLI experience considerable stress in relation to the exercise
of their parental roles. It is important to intervene and to support parents to
promote autonomy for their SLI children.

Langue : ANGLAIS