Mrs Tegan Howell1,2, Associate Professor Shani Dettman2, Associate Professor Valerie Sung1,3,4
1Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, 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 describe the experiences of families of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children interacting with hearing, health and education professionals during the hearing diagnostic journey and early intervention years. The families’ experiences include their reflections on the information and support they received, as well as the influences of these experiences on decision-making for their DHH child, particularly regarding their child’s communication.
Nature and Scope of topic:
Families and professionals play essential roles in the decision-making processes for the care of DHH children. Understanding families’ interactions with professionals during the child’s hearing diagnostic and early intervention journey is important in understanding how different decisions are made, particularly regarding a DHH child’s communication.
Issue or Problem under consideration:
Research has begun to explore the factors associated with informed decision-making in caring for DHH children. However, little has been done to examine in detail family-professional interactions, the factors related to these interactions, and how these may contribute to decision-making processes, particularly regarding a DHH child’s communication.
Outcome of the conclusion reached:
Interviews with families are being analysed to identify the family-professional interaction factors that may contribute to decision-making in caring for DHH children. The results will inform professionals’ counselling practices by identifying key factors professionals should consider to support families in making informed decisions in caring for the DHH children.
Disclosures: None