An alternative management of older children with persisting communication problems

Speech and language deficits frequently Implicate accompanying psychosocial problems (such as low self-esteem). An alternative management approach is described which adopts a holistic paradigm and provides a unique opportunit y for intensive work on communication within a supportive environment. The residential programme for 8-14 year olds with persistent communication diff iculties incorporated cognitive, emotional and psychosocial dimensions of c ommunication, co-ordinated with work on speech features. Although the progr ammes were developed for children with cleft palate(1), they have potential for benefiting a wide range of communication impairments of different aeti ologies. A forthcoming manual with resource material developed by the resea rch team will be used in studies across these groups.