Speech and Language Difficulties
Approximately 20% of school children have additional educational needs that are addressed by programmes in school. Many of these children have speech and language delay or disorder as part of their needs.
Recent research is unclear about how much speech and language therapy is required to address the needs of these children once they are three years old or more. Generally, however, it is agreed that regular daily practice of programmes developed under the guidance of speech and language therapists is needed before slow language development can be speeded up.
The effects of severe language disorder can still be seen in later life, although this has only recently been recognised. Children leaving school may still need help in using strategies to overcome the difficulties they have with understanding and using language.
However, the good news is that children can down good listening and attention patterns within the first three years of life. Research has shown clearly that giving the right help to children during the first year of their lives can prevent many from requiring later referral to a speech and language therapist.
For ways to help your child learn to talk, see SpeechFile.