Delivery of Pediatric Student-Led Speech and Language Therapy Services at a University Rehabilitation Clinic in Cyprus: Children Accessing Services.

Background/

Objectives

Early identification and intervention in speech and language therapy (SLT) are essential for children's academic, social, and emotional development. In Cyprus, barriers such as long waiting lists, financial constraints, and limited public awareness restrict access to SLT services. University-led clinics offer a promising alternative by providing affordable, accessible care while training future clinicians. This study aimed to examine the demographic profiles, referral pathways, and diagnostic patterns of children accessing services at a university-led SLT clinic. By documenting referral trends and diagnostic outcomes, this study offers preliminary insights into patterns of service use and potential access disparities in the Cypriot context.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using records from 235 children, aged 0;7 to 15 years, assessed at the University Rehabilitation Clinic between 2015 and 2024. Data included age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), bilingualism, referral source, and diagnostic outcomes. Diagnoses were classified using Bishop et al.'s (2016) framework.

Results

Significant associations were identified between age, parental education, referral source, and diagnostic category. Older children (9;1-12 years) demonstrated a markedly increased likelihood of receiving a developmental language disorder (DLD) diagnosis. Higher parental education levels and referrals from teachers or parents were also predictive of DLD and other communication impairments. Bilingualism was not a significant predictor of diagnostic category.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that university-led clinics may serve as an important access point for underserved populations in Cyprus. This study provides preliminary evidence concerning demographic and referral factors that can inform outreach strategies and future service planning.