Speech and language therapy (SLT) is critical and plays a vital role in shaping a child’s future communication skills. However, a concerning report has shown that children in Northern Ireland are facing prolonged wait times for such therapy. Concerns were brought to light by Emma Adams, who sought help for her son, Henry, after noticing delays in his communication. Adams found that despite an introductory phone call and advice on home techniques, it took nine months before Henry was seen at an SLT clinic.
Recent data from a Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) report shows an increase of 85% in the number of children in Northern Ireland waiting for SLT under 18. The number of children waiting for therapy rose from 2,444 in 2021 to 4,527 in 2023. A rise in complex communication needs for children under five was also found in the report.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in children’s delayed communication, according to Ms. Adams. The pandemic meant that many children missed out on social interaction and the opportunity to develop key communication skills – the use of masks also blocked visual cues for children. The RCSLT said that screens and parental stress could have also impacted children’s communication ability.
Early intervention is crucial, said Ruth Sedgewick of the RCSLT Northern Ireland, emphasising that “if we do not get the early intervention right now, in those early years, the consequences are far-reaching.” The RCSLT called on Stormont to commit to fully investing in early speech and language intervention, stating that there are an insufficient number of speech and language therapists to meet growing demand.
Although Ms. Adam praised the speech and language therapists, the lack of availability of therapy sessions is a source of frustration for many parents who cannot afford private sessions. The consequence of prolonged wait times is that more children may need further support, conveying the necessity of wholly investing in SLT
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More