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Waiting for speech therapy: a group to help the under-3s
Professional Care of Mother and Child
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Early intervention groups for toddlers with speech problems significantly improved their communication skills and reduced parental stress during long waiting times for speech therapy. These groups offered support and practical strategies for parents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Children with speech problems face lengthy waiting times for speech therapy, causing parental stress and potential behavioral issues in children.
- The gap between diagnosis and treatment can hinder early intervention, impacting a child's developmental trajectory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits of parent-and-child group sessions as an interim support for children aged 2-3 awaiting speech therapy.
- To assess the impact of these groups on children's speech development, parental understanding, and behavior management.
Main Methods:
- Group sessions managed by health visitors, with input from speech and language therapists and external speakers.
- Parents received education on child communication development and techniques for speech enhancement.
- Focus on strategies for understanding and managing behavior problems linked to speech difficulties.
Main Results:
- The majority of parents reported improvements in their children's speech.
- Children benefited from socialization opportunities with peers.
- Parents experienced mutual support and gained valuable coping strategies.
Conclusions:
- Group interventions provide a low-cost, flexible, and effective support system during speech therapy waiting periods.
- Parental involvement and collaborative teamwork are crucial for successful early intervention outcomes.
- Addressing parental stress and providing practical skills can enhance child development and well-being.