Mrs Tegan Howell1,2, Associate Professor Shani Dettman2, Associate Professor Valerie Sung1,3,4
1Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Prevention Innovation, Population Health, Parkville, Australia, 2University of Melbourne, Department of Speech and Audiology, Parkville, Australia, 3University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Parkville, Australia, 4Royal Children’s Hospital, Centre for Community Child Health, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
Tegan Howell is a PhD candidate and speech-language pathologist with extensive experience working with deaf and hard of hearing children, incorporating English and Australian Sign Language (Auslan) to support language development. Her research experience includes five years in various roles at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). Her PhD at the University of Melbourne and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute focuses on the early uptake of Auslan in deaf and hard of hearing children. Her research was funded by the NextSense Elisabeth Murdoch Scholarship in 2023.
Abstract
Purpose:
This presentation will discuss the information families received about communication options during the diagnostic journey of their deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) child. It will describe the types and formats of information received by 185 families from the Victorian Childhood Hearing Longitudinal Databank about communication options, and the various child and parent factors that influence the information received.
Nature and Scope of topic:
Families of DHH children play an essential role in their child’s communication journey. However, previous research suggests the quality of information provided to support families’ decision-making about their child’s communication is varied.
Issue or Problem under consideration:
Despite early hearing loss detection and intervention, many DHH children struggle with spoken language. One way to address this is through early adoption of sign language. However, recent research shows a low uptake of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) among DHH children. In the context of poor early Auslan uptake, it is important to understand what and how families receive information about communication options early in their child’s hearing diagnostic journey.
Outcome of the conclusion reached:
Families reported receiving diverse information about communication options during the diagnostic process, with 25% of families perceiving they were discouraged from using sign language. The information provided to families differed depending on factors such as the parents’ hearing status, with 64% of hearing parents compared to 20% of deaf parents receiving information about potential communication outcomes.
Disclosures: None