Healthy child, healthy future: speech and language therapy for children

This resource is designed to reinforce a collaborative approach between speech and language therapists, referrers and parents in the identification and management of children with developmental speech and language and communication needs (including children with feeding and/or swallowing difficulties). It includes a comprehensive key skills section, which provides details on the communication-related skills a child should have acquired at each stage in his/her early years development. It also includes specific criteria and guidelines for referral, should there be concern about whether the child has a significant problem. The resource provides additional guidance on: • communication and child play; • speech sound development; • dummies; • stammering; • dysphonia; • bilingualism; • feeding and swallowing difficulties. Lists of supplementary leaflets, handouts and websites, as well as a bibliography, are also included.

Healthy child, healthy future - Speech and language therapy: Factsheet for parents 1. Does my child speak clearly?

This factsheet describes how parents can help their child speak more clearly.

Healthy child, healthy future - Speech and language therapy: Factsheet for parents 2. Helping your young non-fluent child

This factsheet outlines how parents can help their child speak more fluently, without stammering.

Healthy child, healthy future - Speech and language therapy: Factsheet for parents 4. Dummies and talking

This factsheet gives advice to parents on the use of dummies and their effect on a child's speech.

Healthy child, healthy future - Speech and language therapy: Factsheet for parents 5. Does my child have a voice problem?

This factsheet describes voice disorders such as 'hoarseness' in children and what parents can do to help their child with a voice problem.

Healthy child, healthy future - Speech and language therapy: Factsheet for parents 6. Tips for talking: children aged 4 to 5 years

This factsheet highlights simple ideas to encourage speech in children around 4 to 5 years old.

Speech, Language and Communication Therapy Action Plan (2011/12 - 2012/13) - Easy Read (PDF 454 KB)

Easy Read version of Speech, Language and Communication Therapy Action Plan (2011/12 - 2012/13)

Northern Ireland Speech and Language Therapy Task Force report (PDF 1,016 KB)

Speech and Language task force report

Speech and Language Therapy Review March 2003 (PDF 300 KB)

Workforce Planning Review

Comprehensive Review of the Speech and Language Therapy Workforce (PDF 435 KB)

Report of the Project Group

Healthy child, healthy future - Speech and language therapy: Factsheet for parents 3. Talk to your child in your own language

This factsheet encourages non-English speaking parents to talk to their children in their own language.

Healthy child, healthy future - Speech and language therapy aide memoire for health visitors

This card outlines the key skills, causes for concern and management options for children aged 24 months and 30 months.

Speech, language and communication therapy action plan

This is the first update newsletter of the Speech, language and communication therapy action plan. The action plan was developed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) with the aim that all children and young people at risk of or presenting with speech, language or communication needs will be able to benefit from timely support and integrated services that best meet their requirements.The Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), has been tasked with implementing the action plan.The update includes news on the publication of the Healthy child, health future framework and highlights other points of progress so far, including the development of the Family Support NI website. There is also an invite for parents to join a focus group to influence and assist with the implementation of the action plan.�