To help young adults with language disorders gain daily living skills, OTs and SLPs should work together using evidence-based tools
The big picture:
Many young adults with language disorders struggle with activities of daily living, like self-care and money management. These difficulties have been linked to executive functions, receptive and expressive language, and motor skills.
Why it matters:
Daily living skills:
- are essential for independent living; and
- affect self-esteem and quality of life.
Zoom in:
Young adults with language disorders may benefit from occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) support to improve their independence with daily living skills, including:
- meal preparation;
- time management;
- leisure;
- self-care;
- housekeeping;
- laundry;
- food shopping; and
- money skills.
New tool:
Check out the terrific WHEEL OF INDEPENDENCE™ Framework:
- An online tool developed by researchers at Moor House School & College (currently available only in the UK).
- Used clinically for years with students with language disorders with good face validity.
- Tracks and structures intervention for 180 skills grouped around the 8 key areas outlined above, using a 5-stage hierarchy of skills.
- Peer-reviewed evidence base is growing (e.g. see links below).
Bottom line:
OTs and SLPs should work together to help young adults succeed with daily living tasks by:
- working with young adults to set goals to increase life skills and independence;
- sharing professional expertise with young adults and each other; and
- using evidence-informed tools that help to structure and coordinate supports, and to measure functional outcomes.
Go deeper:
Burridge D, Hughes L, Titterington J, Dawson N, Ebbels S. Daily living skills in adolescents with and without (developmental) language disorder, measured using the WHEEL OF INDEPENDENCE™ framework. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2024;87(12):742-752. doi:10.1177/03080226241280732 (Abstract only)
WHEEL OF INDEPENDENCE™ Framework
™ WHEEL OF INDEPENDENCE is a trademark of Moor House School & College.
Read more:
Focusing speech therapy on functional outcomes: a refresher
Parents of teenagers aged 16-18 years: 11 ideas to increase participation and communication skills
This article also appears in a recent issue of Banter Booster, our weekly round up of the best speech pathology ideas and practice tips for busy speech pathologists, speech pathology students and others.
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Hi there, I’m David Kinnane.
Principal Speech Pathologist, Banter Speech & Language
Our talented team of certified practising speech pathologists provide unhurried, personalised and evidence-based speech pathology care to children and adults in the Inner West of Sydney and beyond, both in our clinic and via telehealth.
