Identification of factors associated with persistent speech disorder (PSD) of unknown origin in a longitudinal population study.

Aim of study: The work described in this proposal aims to identify the causal pathway and clinical indicators for Persistent Speech Disorder in children at age 5.

Aims: Two questions will be investigated in this study:

1. What factors can be identified in children that place them at risk for PSD at age 5?
2. How does children's speech status relate to their stage of language development?

Outputs and potential impact: An understanding of the risk factors for PSD versus transient speech disorder and the relationship between speech and language development will enable clinicians to identify and prioritise those children who are at risk for long term problems and provide early intervention rather than a 'wait and see' or 'intervention for all' approach.