Abstract
Three factors were discussed in relation to terminating clinical services for speech-language-hearing problems in children with cerebral palsy. These factors were “the variety of disabilities, ” “the enhancement of service approaches”, and “the rehabilitation service system”. Speech therapists often have to decide whether clinical services are to be continued or discontinued when children with CP enter school. A decision is made based on the further need for professional support rather than on the severity of disabilities. This is due to “the variety of disabilities” in CP. Based on this criterion, we decided to terminate services for 86 children and to continue for 45 out of 131 children with CP. “Enhancement of service approaches” causes a prolongation of service duration. For example, support for severe dysphagia and an augmentative and alternative communication approach for severe dysarthria tend to require a long duration. The maximum service duration was 12 years. In order for the services to continue for such a period, “the rehabilitation service system” must be improved.
