Purpose of the Guidelines

The aim of these guidelines is to provide clinicians, managers and service users with statements regarding the clinical management of specific disorders or conditions and in some instances, particular populations. The guidelines assist in the clinical decision-making process by providing information on what is considered to be the minimum best practice.

Content of the Guidelines

Each guideline contains recommendations that are explicit statements providing specific clinical guidance on the assessment and management of each area. Each recommendation is supported by evidence from the literature or is based upon the consensus of clinical experts.

Sections Covered

Sections include: Pre-School children with communication, language speech needs; School-aged children with speech, language communication difficulties; Autistic spectrum disorders; Cleft palate and velopharyngeal abnormalities; Clinical voice disorders; Deafness/hearing loss; Disorders of fluency; Disorders of feeding, eating, drinking swallowing (dysphagia); Disorders of mental health dementia; Dysarthria; Aphasia; Head neck cancer.

A Position Statement on working with Adults with Learning Disabilities is included in place of a guideline.

Every practising UK speech language therapist needs to have access to these guidelines, and they will also be of value to health, social and educational professionals that may become involved with individuals who have a communication or swallowing disorder.