Did you know that 2 to 3 kids per class have a developmental language disorder? Often speech and language development and communication needs are under diagnosed.
Why does it matter? Statistics show that people with speech and language developmental disorders are 6 times more likely to suffer from anxiety and 3 times more likely to have clinical depression.
They are also at significant risk of struggling with reading, spelling and mathematics. Noala is on a mission to help and they have asked us to share the reasons why it is important to catch this early.
Why It’s Important to Get Support for Speech and Language Development
Communication Helps Us Thrive
Developing good communication skills at a young age is essential to future learning, confidence and general well being. Good communicators generally thrive in life and those who struggle to communicate well, can be left behind.
The formative years are a period of rapid neurological development and early intervention for children who show signs of speech and language developmental disorders can greatly help the outcome of future learning and communication.
Recognising the Signs of Developmental Language Disorder
Every child is different and they hit milestones at different times. But when it comes to speech and language, if your child is not hitting the milestones for their age, it may be a sign of developmental language disorder and it could be time to seek professional help.
- By age 7 to 12 months most children smile, follow sounds, interact with others and make sounds and gestures themselves.
- By 18 months to 3 years, most children have a good vocabulary and are putting words together to form simple sentences. They can follow commands and when asked, they can point to pictures, people or objects when they hear the word for them.
- By age 3, typically children can form clear, short sentences, tell and understand simple stories, understand instructions and can interpret others’ non-verbal and verbal communication.
Early Intervention is Key
If you have any concerns about your childs’ speech and language development, early identification and intervention is key.
Working with a professional before they begin school can:
- Have the greatest impact on their future
- Reduce any possible disadvantage they may face when beginning in the school system
- Improve literacy
- Improve confidence
- Impact positively on behavioural issues
- Be cost-effective for parents
How Parents Can Help
Parents play a key role in supporting their children. Always go with your gut instinct if you think there is an issue and seek the help you need.
If your child is diagnosed with a speech and language disorder, there are ways that you can help and support them at home, alongside any professional help they may be receiving.
Read how mum Kellie helped support her daughter to find her voice.
The key to helping them is to be patient and understanding and get them the support they need as early as possible.
How Noala Can Help
Noala is on a mission to make speech and language mainstream. Their platform offers your family instant access to a certified speech professional, guiding you through a tailored clinically backed, parent-led Speech and Language Therapy coaching program to help your child reach their set targets.
The first program is built for developmental language, motivating your child to say and understand their first words and sentences.
If you’re interested, you can sign up for free, accessing your first coaching video, all about food. You’ll be able to book a call to chat to your designated expert speech professional for guidance, feedback and support your child’s progress and questions you may have.
About the Author: Michelle
