07 March 2023
Multilingualism has been linked with numerous benefits for children and families.
Children may learn multiple languages simultaneously and may show a preference for one language.
Receptive language skills are key in determining if speech pathology intervention is required for multilingual children.
The limited amount of exposure to languages because of the COVID-19 lockdowns may have directly impacted language acquisition, and the trajectory of language development for multilingual children could differ from monolingual children.
Early referral to speech pathology is critical if a child is having difficulty with understanding and following verbal information in their primary language.
Where and how to refer
Resources for Multilingual Homes
Webinar: The Benefits of Multilingualism
Interview: Teaching multiple languages to under fives
Expert in the field of multilingualism
16 February 2023
One in in four children in South Western Sydney are at risk of delayed fine motor skills.
Since COVID-19 lockdowns, many children who had reduced opportunities to attend early childhood education are presenting with delayed skills.
The importance of fine motor skills
Fine motor skills allow children to participate in play, self-care and school-based tasks.
Early intervention services can maximise outcomes for children who may be having difficulty learning these skills.
Fine motor skills include:
- Hand and finger strength
- Hand preference
- Using two hands together
- Hand-eye coordination
- Object and pencil grasp
- Cutting skills
- Drawing and handwriting skills
Screen and refer
Every appointment is an opportunity to screen a child’s fine motor skills.
It is more important than ever to refer to occupational therapy early as waiting times in both public and private services have increased since the COVID-19 lockdowns.
How to identify a fine motor delay
Quick checklist by age
Occupational therapy
Where and how to refer
17 November 2022
One in five children in South Western Sydney are at risk of poor language outcomes.
The COVID-19 lockdowns have increased the risk of developing communication delays as social interactions and engagement in early learning environments have been limited.
The importance of language skills
Language skills are needed to understand and communicate across different environments. A child’s early language skills are predictive of long-term outcomes.
The harm of watching and waiting
Watching and waiting as children return to pre-COVID community activities will not rectify a language delay. It is better for a child to wait on a waiting list for early intervention which will maximise their outcomes.
It’s more important than ever to refer early, as waiting times in both public and private services have significantly increased since the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Instead: screen and act
Every consultation is an opportunity to screen a child’s communication.
In addition to the Blue Book, you can use this screening checklist (communication milestone checklist) to identify when a referral to a speech pathologist is needed (where and how to refer).
20 October 2022
What do GPs need to know about the Early Childhood Approach (formerly ECEI) following COVID-19? Who needs this program and why?
Parents and carers, more than ever before, have concerns about their children’s development. As families often go to their GP for support, it is important for their concerns to be acknowledged and investigated. This support may include connecting families to the Early Childhood Approach through their local NDIS Early Childhood Partner.
The Early Childhood Approach helps children from birth to six years, through developmental supports which build a family’s capacity to assist their child participate in everyday activities and be included in mainstream environments which were restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For children who need longer term supports, the Early Childhood Partner will assist families access the NDIS. Children do not need a diagnosis to be supported through the Early Childhood Approach.
21 September 2022
The COVID-19 lockdowns have resulted in a cohort of children whose development is delayed. Young children have had limited access to social interactions and early learning environments during the critical period of their brain development, which has both created and compounded existing developmental delays. Due to this, the need for early intervention is the highest that it’s ever been.
The importance of early intervention: Early intervention is linked with positive outcomes for children. It can positively impact all aspects of development including social, physical, communication, cognitive and psychological development.
Referrals: Early referral to intervention services is crucial in maximising outcomes. It is more important than ever to refer early as the COVID-19 lockdown has increased waiting times in both public and private services. Please consider referring to both public and private services (using Medicare rebate options) so families are offered supports in the timeliest manner.
Early intervention – where and how to refer
22 July 2022
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience some of the highest rates of Otitis Media and associated hearing loss in the world.
Left untreated, these conditions are directly linked to serious and long-term deficits. These include poor medical health, delayed communication and social skill development, challenging behaviour, and learning difficulties.
Regular ear checks, hearing assessments and onward referrals to ENTs are crucial in supporting positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with Otitis Media.
Information for families about Otitis Media:
Deadly Ears Program
Middle ear disease
Children’s Health Queensland
Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to connect with health and community services is another important part of supporting their children’s health and wellbeing.
Aboriginal Health Services:
South Western Sydney Local Health District Aboriginal Health Service Directory
AH-ServiceDirectory.pdf (nsw.gov.au)
Macarthur Family & Youth Services
NABU – Macarthur Family & Youth Services (mfys.org.au)
Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation – Airds
Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation | (tacams.com.au)
Gandangara Aboriginal Health Services – Liverpool
Health Services | Gandangara
KARI Aboriginal Community Programs – Liverpool
Community Programs | KARI
21 June 2022
Fussy eating can lead to stressful and prolonged mealtimes, delayed oro-motor skills, and poor health outcomes including nutrient deficiencies (eg iron), slow growth and constipation.
Early intervention is required when fussy eating is caused by sensory sensitivities with food textures, or when it leads to highly restricted diets (less than 15 to 20 different foods) or
challenging behaviours at mealtimes.
Mealtime Strategies
1) Set up routines – serve food at the same time and in the same place each day.
2) Create an engaging mealtime environment – remove distractions (eg screens, toys) and share meals together as a family to model positive mealtime behaviours like trying new foods.
3) Encourage food exploration and play – participate together in food preparation and play games with food like sorting by colour or texture, or building houses.
Start Them Right: A parent’s guide to eating for under 5s
Is your child a fussy eater? Parent handout
11 May 2022
Some children have difficulty processing and responding to information from their senses. This includes sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular (movement) input.
Signs of sensitivities:
- Seeking sensations (touching, smelling or licking textures, closely watching moving objects, difficulty sitting still)
- Reacting to sensations (becoming upset when touched, easily distracted by noise/light, picky with food textures and smells)
- Under responding to sensations (appearing to ‘tune out’, low response to sound/touch, poor pain perception)
Sensory seeking versus sensory sensitive
When to refer:
Refer to an Occupational Therapist when a child’s sensory sensitivities interfere with everyday routines or engagement in learning. Early referral is key to improving functional, social and academic outcomes.
Where and how to refer
Further information about sensory sensitivities
Making sense of your child’s senses – handout
21 April 2022
Transition to school has an impact on a child’s educational trajectory. A successful transition to school requires more than academic skills. It requires social, emotional, communication and motor skills. GPs have a role in partnering with schools and supporting families to:
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