An Exploratory Study into the Experiences of Adolescents with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) in Ireland: Insights from Parents and Adolescents

Abstract

Background:

Recent literature has demonstrated the long-term nature of SLI, which impacts on an individual’s educational, social, and emotional experiences (Brinton et al., 2005). There is limited service provision for adolescents with SLI and little is known about their experiences in Ireland.

Aim:

To qualitatively explore the experience of adolescents in Ireland.

Methods and Procedures:

The study used qualitative methodology in the form of focus group and semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of adolescents with SLI in Ireland from their own and their parent’s perspectives.

Results:

Five descriptive themes relating to the experiences of adolescents with SLI were identified, including: The impact of SLI on relationships, intrapersonal experiences, service provision at secondary school level, future concerns, and variability.

Conclusions:

This study appears to reflect the emergence of similarities between the experiences of adolescents with SLI in an Irish context and their international counterparts. Parent and adolescent reports provide limited evidence supporting the growing literature indicating the long-term nature of SLI with difficulties widening with age.