Communication (Speech & Language) is the Foundation of Learning

SPEECH and LANGUAGE: COMMUNICATION is the FOUNDATION of LEARNING. EARLY DETECTION is the KEY!

  1. It is essential that difficulties with speech are diagnosed prior to entering school, as pre-reading and writing skills, will be affected.
  2. Speech and language delays can have a significant affect on personal, academic, vocational, emotional, and social advancement.
  3. At age two, one in five children show signs of having a language delay.
  4. A child may have a receptive language (understanding of language) delay, or an expressive language (use of language) delay.
  5. Signs to look for:
    • First words should appear between 15 to 18 months of age.
    • Age two children should be saying 50 words and using them in two word combinations e.g “the cat”.
    •  Poor concentration in group times, difficulty answering questions and difficulty following instructions.
    •  Younger children will have difficulties with eye contact.
  6. 40 – 75% of children who have a language impairment will have difficulties reading.
  7. Excessive shyness, low frustration tolerance, and emotional outbursts, often occur when a child cannot express their thoughts clearly.
  8. Peer group interaction, and peer group functioning, can be adversely affected in children with language / speech difficulties.
  9. Speech and language assessments at an early age, assists the above difficulties from occurring.
  10. PREVENTION is BETTER than the CURE: EARLY DIAGNOSIS is the KEY!

Robyn Taylor
BA(Macq), MA(Syd), Dip Clinical Psychology(Syd)