Hughes N, et al. – The present study was undertaken to evaluate language impairment and comorbid vulnerabilities among young people in custody. The findings suggested that earlier identification of language difficulties needs routine assessment of young people at risk of engagement in offending behavior. Holistic assessments of needs should be undertaken where language difficulties are identified. There is a requirement for speech and language therapy provision within youth justice services, and also in other services accessed by young people at risk of engagement in offending.

Methods

• For this investigation, 93 young people in a young offenders institution in England were surveyed utilizing the Comprehensive Health Assessment Tool, the Test of Word Knowledge, and a range of additional assessments of communication, cognition, and neurodevelopmental difficulties.

Results

• According to the findings obtained, 47% of the young people exhibited an aspect of language skills significantly below the population average, with more than 1 in 4 identified as having impairment.
• It was noted that only 1 in 4 of those with an impairment had previously accessed speech and language services.
• The results of this study showed that language needs were related to difficulties with social communication and nonverbal cognition, as well as higher risk of self-harm and substance misuse.