Caregiver Views of Communication Barriers Within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Children With and Without Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)

BackgroundCommunication is a key component in successful talking therapies. Furthermore, the association between Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and mental-health problems is well-established and we might expect this group to have increased difficulties accessing services. Despite this, research into potential communication barriers within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is lacking, both generally and for SLCN children specifically.AimThis study explored the views of caregivers of children with and without SLCN to identify perceived barriers to accessing CAMHS. Key factors were considered: caregivers' understanding of the language used by CAMHS; communication strategies used by professionals; and caregiver views of children's mental health outcomes after accessing CAMHS.MethodsAn online caregiver survey was used to collect views. The survey was completed by 61 caregivers of children who had been referred to CAMHS, for reasons other than communication, 32 of whom cared for a child with SLCN.ResultsCaregivers generally understood the language used with them by CAMHS, although a minority reported difficulties. They were less positive about communication adjustments, discharge processes, and outcomes after accessing CAMHS. Caregivers of children with SLCN were more likely to report that their child's mental health was poorer after CAMHS. No other differences were found between the SLCN/non-SLCN groups with communication presenting some barriers across both.ConclusionsAll children accessing CAMHS would benefit from increased communication adjustments in order to achieve the most effective intervention.