Background: The importance of speech-language pathology (SLP) services targeting abilities relevant to the child’s everyday communication has been emphasised by caregivers of children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and SLPs. However, SLPs in Sweden traditionally meet children with DLD at SLP clinics rather than in the child’s everyday context.

Aims: To explore Swedish SLP services provided to children with DLD, focusing on the possibilities and challenges in targeting children’s everyday language and communication.

Method: Two studies were conducted: the first comprised a web-based questionnaire, to which 163 SLPs responded, and the second employed online focus groups with 15 SLPs participating. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the multiple-choice questions in the questionnaire. The free-text questions and the focus group discussions were analysed using thematic analysis. The studies were approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. The SLPs who took part in the focus groups gave their written consent to participate.

Results: The SLPs viewed themselves as detached from the children’s everyday context. Collaboration with caregivers and (pre)school staff was emphasised, but the SLPs often experienced a gap between different stakeholders which was a challenge for providing the most appropriate care. The services the SLPs could offer varied and were regulated by local routines.

Conclusions: SLP services’ alignment to children’s everyday lives depends on the contributions of caregivers and (pre)school staff. However, collaboration is often restricted by organisational constraints. It is essential that SLPs have the time and resources to ensure a supportive and well-functioning collaboration with the different stakeholders.

Implications for children and families: As a caregiver, you are the most important collaborative partner for SLPs in providing individualised services relevant to everyday life for your child.

Implications for practitioners: As an SLP, you must have the time and resources to guide caregivers to become empowered collaboration partners, ensuring that the services provided focus on skills relevant to the child.

Key words: professionals’ voices, developmental language disorder, speech-language pathology services, everyday life, ecological validity, communication

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities