As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, we are continually seeking ways to improve our methods and outcomes for the children we serve. The Nordic Child & Adolescent Psychiatric (NordCAP) Research Meeting, held in Turku, Finland, in 2018, offers valuable insights that can be applied to our practice. This blog aims to distill some of the key findings from the research presented at the meeting and explore how they can be used to enhance therapeutic outcomes for children.
Key Research Insights and Their Implications
1. School Mental Health Services in Kenya
David M. Ndetei's research on developing school mental health services in Kenya highlights the importance of a holistic approach that includes children, parents, teachers, and community service providers. The study demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of a proposed model for school mental health, using the WHO mhGAP-IG and Life Skills training as intervention tools. The findings suggest that successful engagement with stakeholders and the capacity-building of schools and health facilities are crucial.
Implications for Practice:
- Adopt a holistic approach in therapy that involves parents, teachers, and community service providers.
- Implement life skills training to promote mental health and well-being among children.
- Use validated tools like WHO mhGAP-IG to create awareness and monitor changes in symptoms.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Children with ASD
Beate Oerbeck and colleagues presented the "Less Stress" program, a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and comorbid anxiety. The program showed significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and was found to be feasible and beneficial, particularly when adapted for children with ADHD.
Implications for Practice:
- Consider using CBT programs tailored for children with ASD and comorbid anxiety.
- Adapt session lengths and content to accommodate children with ADHD.
- Involve parents in therapy sessions to enhance treatment efficacy.
3. Internet-Delivered CBT for Children
Eva Serlachius and her team explored the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for children with anxiety and related disorders. The study found that ICBT reduced symptoms and increased functioning, even in rural settings with limited access to traditional face-to-face therapy.
Implications for Practice:
- Incorporate ICBT as a cost-effective and accessible treatment option for children with anxiety disorders.
- Ensure that therapists spend adequate time guiding families through the online modules.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ICBT in real-world settings.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings from the NordCAP Research Meeting underscore the importance of evidence-based practices in speech-language pathology and child therapy. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about the latest research and consider participating in or conducting further studies to continue improving therapeutic outcomes for children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Nordic Child & Adolescent Psychiatric (NordCAP) Research Meeting August 30 - 31, 2018 Turku, Finland.
