Have you been sitting in a Mum’s group or Playgroup and wondering why the other children are starting to use words and even sentences while your little one is more interested in blowing raspberries? Has someone told you not to worry, but you still have some niggling concerns? It’s important never to take a ‘wait and see’ approach to your child’s talking. Addressing your child's speech and language needs early on is key to providing them with the necessary support and interventions to enhance their communication skills.
Why Early Referral to Speech Pathology is Crucial
There are absolutely no negative consequences for referring your child to a speech pathologist at an early age! In the best-case scenario, you'll find out your child is developing typically and put your mind at ease.
Research says that getting in early and receiving the help your child needs will lead to better long-term outcomes. Early detection of any delays is crucial for receiving the best advice and support for future speech, language, and academic skills.
Taking a 'wait and see' approach, could mean that your child is falling further behind their peers. They may find the gap harder to broach.
Without early intervention, children are at risk of staying stuck and may not make progress. Frustration can grow for both you and your child.
The importance of early intervention in speech and language development for children cannot be overstated. When you engage in early speech therapy for your child, you're not just addressing immediate communication challenges; you're laying the groundwork for a lifetime of effective communication.
Starting this process early, even if the delays seem small, can lead to significant gains in skills and confidence for your child, making a profound difference in their overall development.
When to See a Speech Pathologist
It's time to break the culture of 'wait and see'. Too many opportunities are missed. Don't let your child miss out on life's opportunities because no matter what age we are, everyone deserves to be heard and understood.
Consider seeing a speech pathologist if your child is slow to start speaking, speaks unclearly, stutters, struggles with sentence formation, has difficulty making friends, or faces challenges with reading or spelling.
Check out our blog series "Is my child normal?" for specific information about what you can expect from your child at each stage of their development.
What next?
If in doubt, it's always better to reach out for a consultation. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's development.
You don't need a referral to see a speech pathologist. Just call.
At Newcastle Speech Pathology we're always available to chat. If you're unsure if your child needs to see a speech pathologist, book one of our free 10-minute consultations. You can talk to one of our team and discuss your concerns. We're here to help.