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Speech and Language Development
Communication is fundamental to school success.
Approximately 13% of Australian school children have a disorder that affects their communication.
This equates to 3 children in every NSW primary classroom (based on an average class size of 24).
The Critical Age of 5 Years
The first four years of a child's life are very significant for speech and language development. Once a child commences school, they face the demands of a school curriculum which is heavily reliant on language competence.
Extensive research has concluded that 5 year olds entering school with significant untreated speech and language difficulties demonstrate ongoing educational difficulties. The long-term effects include difficulties with reading, spelling, writing, and numeracy, social challenges and low self-esteem. They have also been found to be at greater risk of bullying and report less school enjoyment than their peers.
(Bashir & Scavuzzo,1992; Beitchman et al.,1994; Paul & Kellogg,1997; Johnson et al 1999; Tomblin, Zhang, Buckwalter, & Catts, 2000; Young et al, 2002; Conti-Ramsden et al., 2004).
Communication difficulties significantly impact a child's school participation and educational performance.
Children are at greater risk if:
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They are male
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They have had a history of middle ear infections or hearing loss
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There is a family history of communication and/or literacy difficulties
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They have a reactive personality (tend to give up; not willing to attempt or complete challenging activities; easily frustrated; often described as "strong-willed")
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They were breast fed for less than 9 months
Children rarely spontaneously "grow out of" speech and language difficulties.
Seeing a Speech Pathologist early gives you more time to address issues
before your child starts school.
What to Expect & When to Seek Help
Click on these handy Speech and Language Checklists to learn more
