One in in five children in South Western Sydney are at risk of poor language outcomes. A child’s vocabulary and language skills at age three predict their later academic, mental health, socio-emotional wellbeing and employment outcomes.
Children’s language skills consist of their ability to understand and use language effectively across different environments. In addition to the Blue Book, you can use this communication screening checklist to assist in identifying when a child may be experiencing delays in their communication skills.
Communication screening checklist
Early intervention is key to enhancing children’s outcomes in later life. If there are communication concerns for a child, at any age, refer to speech pathology services.
The longer we wait to refer children, the more limited their access to time-critical supports becomes. Children who receive the right treatment, at the right time, in the right way will have better outcomes.
This article was written by members of the ‘Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees’ project which includes professionals from a number of government and non-government organisations in South Western Sydney. The group aims to support GPs working with families to navigate and access timely services when they have a concern about a child’s development.