Expanding Surveillance of Sleep Problems and Detection of Risk Factors for Speech-Language Impairment in Young Children

2017

We prepared and submitted an R03 grant application to thee National Institutes of Health. ABSTRACT Sleep problems in early childhood adversely impact developing speech, language and communication skills. Both sleep problems and speech-language delays peak during the preschool years (2-5). In typically developing preschoolers, 20%-50% experience short sleep duration, behavioral sleep problems (BSP) and/or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). In children with developmental delays and disabilities (DDs), up to 80% experience disturbed sleep. This study will: 1) Pilot Sleep Problem Screening- by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) at a multi-disciplinary pediatric center serving low-income, ethnic minority children, and; 2) Describe BSP and SDB Symptom Prevalence- using validated screening tools in a heterogeneous sample of 150 children aged 2-5 years seen for SLP treatment. Our project fills gaps in: a) screening for sleep problems across pediatric settings, and b) translating knowledge about sleep problem effects upon language development, into practice. Significance: The functional effects of poor sleep and many DDs coincide with SLPs scope of practice: speech, language, and communication. Speech-language therapy is the most common early intervention/ special education service received by children < 6 years old. Among the nation's 2-5 year olds, 8% have a speech-language disorder. Long-term goals are to increase sleep disorder surveillance and detection of (remediable) risk factors for SL impairment.

sleep speech-language

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Limited English

Single-County

Federal

N/A