Parental Awareness of Early Intervention for Hispanic Children with Communication Disorders

Authors

Ruth Crutchfield, University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Sonya N. Salinas, University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Roy K. Chen, University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Children at risk of delayed speech and language development and speech-language disorders come from a broad range of demographic backgrounds, including ethnicities, sexes, and socioeconomic statuses. A vast body of research in speech-language pathology has demonstrated that early intervention is crucial for helping children acquire the necessary communication skills they need to become effective communicators, successful students, and ultimately accomplished adults. Currently, commercials, billboards, online sources, and personal referrals are the methods most often used to promote awareness of early childhood intervention services. Method: This study aimed to identify whether the current promotional methods used to increase parental awareness of early childhood speech therapy intervention are effective in the Hispanic population in South Texas. A total of 299 parents and guardians recruited from 18 Head Start programs took part in the survey study. The 18-item Early Intervention Parental Awareness Questionnaire was utilized to assess the participants’ level of awareness. Results: The results of this study suggest face-to-face interaction is needed to increase awareness of services for early childhood intervention amongst the Hispanic population. Conclusion: These findings support the need for increasing recognition of the value of early intervention for children with communication disorders amongst the Hispanic population.

Author Bio(s)

Ruth Crutchfield is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses. She is the President of the Texas Organization of Multilingual and Multicultural Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists.

Sonya N. Salinas, M.A., CCC-SLP is a Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is a Clinical Instructor/ Clinical Supervisor and the Undergraduate Program Coordinator in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department.

Roy K. Chen, PhD, CRC, is a professor of rehabilitation counseling in the School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement Kayla Vanden Esschert and Jhordan Wynne University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2021.1940

Recommended Citation

Crutchfield R, Salinas SN, Chen RK. Parental Awareness of Early Intervention for Hispanic Children with Communication Disorders. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2021 Jan 01;19(1), Article 19.