Low Cost and High Efficiency: Faseeh Program for Detecting Language Disorders

The prevalence rate of language disorders in young children is approximately 7.5%, according to findings from a study conducted by a team of researchers at University College London. Like other developmental disorders, early detection followed by early intervention contributes significantly to preventing the situation from worsening.

The negative impacts associated with language disorders manifest as academic underachievement and poor social communication. On the other hand, short- and long-term impacts emerge regarding the economic cost of caring for a child diagnosed with a language disorder.

The current situation in the Kingdom entails a time gap between the diagnosis of a language disorder and the child beginning to receive appropriate therapeutic services, which is not in the best interest of the child and their family. Despite the generous efforts provided by the Kingdom to serve people with special needs in general, there remains a great need for specialized attention to language disorders. This is what the (Faseeh) initiative is working on as the fruit of collaboration between Abdulkadir Al Muhaidib Company and Ynmo.

Over the past year, the Faseeh initiative worked on developing strategies that meet the growing need for rapid detection of language disorders and ensuring access to services by speech-language pathologists. In parallel with service delivery, a team of researchers at Faseeh conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis study to evaluate the cost of providing diagnostic and therapeutic services through the (Faseeh) program compared to the traditional method. This method was specifically chosen because it takes outcomes into account, in addition to including all direct and indirect financial costs (such as reduced productivity).

The results revealed that the Faseeh model saves (compared to the traditional model) approximately 4,500 riyals per child, assuming a treatment period of only six months. Also, when comparing the outcomes of both programs, the Faseeh model demonstrates greater effectiveness in developing children's language skills. Of course, language disorders are not all the same and may require much longer treatment periods; accordingly, the costs borne by the children's families may increase.

The intended benefit of such studies and models is that they provide decision-makers with solutions for allocating financial and human resources to focus on children's health. It begins with adopting an early screening mechanism for the purpose of detecting language disorders, and delivering the required services in a timely manner. Thus, the economic burden placed on families is reduced, and on a larger scale, the societal expenditures required to treat language disorders decrease.

Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.