Developing Trauma-Informed Competence in Speech-Language Pathologists: Foundations for Narrative Assessment and Intervention

Children who have experienced trauma often demonstrate language and communication difficulties that extend beyond basic vocabulary and grammar, particularly in areas such as narrative discourse, memory, and social communication. These challenges can limit children's ability to profit from evidence-based therapeutic approaches that rely on storytelling, such as narrative exposure therapy and Kid Narrative Exposure Therapy (KIDNET). This clinical focus article summarizes the impact of trauma on language development, with a focus on autobiographical memory, narrative organization, and higher level language skills. We emphasize practices that contribute to creating safe, predictable environments that support narrative development and the importance of cultural and linguistic responsiveness in trauma-informed care. Finally, we offer guidance for developing professional training materials for speech-language pathologists to use in training and education opportunities they may engage in as part of their professional practice.