/library/oar/handle/123456789/1180 2026-06-15T01:56:04Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/135849 Title: Malta [Managing children with developmental language disorder : theory and practice across Europe and beyond] Authors: Grech, Helen; Galdes, Martina Abstract: Speech and language therapy in Malta started in the late 1970s, when expatriate speech and language therapists (SLT) from the UK were commissioned to initiate the service to the Maltese population. Up until the early 1980s there were no local SLTs in Malta and there was very little awareness of communication therapy. Although Malta has two official languages, namely Maltese and English, all theoretical courses were, from the beginning taught in English although clinical placements can be run in Maltese or English. There is no universal national screening or surveillance programme for developmental language disorders (DLD) in Malta although there is opportunistic screening at well-baby clinics carried out by paediatricians. Bilingual intervention is promoted and implemented by SLTs in the Maltese Islands. SLTs in the Maltese Islands are the only professionals who offer guidance and administer formal and informal diagnostic assessments for identification of DLD. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/135847 Title: Factor analysis of a questionnaire for auditory processing skills Abstract: Between 0.5 to 5% of individuals complain of listening difficulties irrespective of normal audiometric results, suggesting a possible auditory processing disorder (APD). However, listening difficulties are also manifested in other recognised diagnoses such as language impairment, literacy difficulties and autism spectrum disorders, since sound processing sounds entails complex connections between auditory, language and cognitive structures. Given these comorbidities it is of interest to evaluate the types and situations where listening difficulties emerge in these specific neurodevelopmental disorders. 2016-04-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/135846 Title: The views of Maltese adults about childhood language impairment Abstract: Aim: To explore the perceptions of Maltese adults about childhood language impairment (CLI).; Introduction: The prevalence of CLI is approximately 7% (Leonard, 2014). Parents & children with CLI expressed the need for increase in knowledge & positive attitude towards CLI (Roulstone, Coad and Ayre , 2012). The expected limited knowledge of CLI among the general public may reflect on referrals to SLT. Hence the importance to explore perceptions of adults regarding language impairment (Pena & Quinn, 2003). 2019-04-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/135817 Title: An evaluation of the Maltese school literacy environments and practices of students with Down syndrome Authors: Muscat, Loredana; Grech, Helen Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the literacy abilities of students with Down Syndrome (DS) from the perspective of educators while also evaluating the school literacy environments of students with DS within the Maltese context. This enabled the researchers to investigate the level of collaboration between educators and other professionals, to evaluate whether educators were sufficiently knowledgeable about their students' abilities and how to use these skills to help them progress through the literacy acquisition journey. A quantitative explorative design was utilised to evaluate students with DS's literacy experience from their educators' perspective. Fifty-eight educators of students with DS were involved in the study. The researchers use Chi-square testing to analyse the collected data and identify similarities and differences between the different sectors and schooling levels. The study identified that students with DS could achieve a monoliterate or biliterate reading level in Malta. Results also shed light on the different literacy training practices. Not all educators were aware of the students' skills and difficulties and that such knowledge could contribute to better literacy intervention planning. The results have several educational implications, such as training for all educators in managing children with DS in the educational setting in relation to literacy intervention techniques and bilingualism. Results also highlight the importance of providing bilingual exposure to Maltese students with DS. 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z