The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children’s speech and language development
The Covid-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on various aspects of society, including education. One concerning consequence has been the impact on children’s speech and language development, as access to vital speech therapy services became limited during lockdowns. This article explores the struggles faced by children like Cali and Ivy, who started school unable to speak clearly due to the lack of available support. It also sheds light on the long waiting lists for speech and language therapy and the potential long-term consequences for children’s academic and emotional well-being.
Limited access to speech therapy services during lockdowns
When Cali turned two during the Covid lockdown, her parents sought help for her difficulty in forming sounds and words. However, accessing NHS speech therapy services proved nearly impossible, with only phone appointments available. This lack of direct interaction meant that Cali did not receive the necessary support before starting school, leading to frustration and extreme tantrums in the classroom.
The impact on children’s academic and emotional well-being
Data from health visitor checks in England for 2022-2023 reveals that nearly 15% of children aged 24 to 30 months were below the expected level in communication skills. This figure represents an increase from 11% in 2018. Children with speech and language difficulties at the age of five are six times less likely to achieve expected targets in English and 11 times less likely to achieve maths targets by the end of primary school. Additionally, eight out of 10 children with emotional and behavioral disorders have unidentified speech, language, and communication needs.
The struggle to access specialized speech therapy centers
The University of Reading’s speech therapy unit, which offers therapy observed by students, has seen a surge in demand. Families desperate for help have been calling the center, but limited places mean that many children cannot be accommodated. The closure of various speech and language development services during the pandemic further exacerbated the problem. The delays in accessing therapy have left children like Cali and Ivy struggling to catch up with their peers.
The importance of early intervention
Early intervention is crucial in addressing speech and language difficulties to prevent long-term impacts on mental health, both for the child and their family. However, the pandemic has disrupted the traditional trajectory of addressing speech delays, with children presenting more severe and complex sound disorders. Ivy, diagnosed with speech dyspraxia, had to unlearn inaccurate word patterns acquired during the pandemic. She is making progress with therapy but faces challenges in pronouncing certain sounds correctly.
The transformative power of speech therapy
Despite the challenges, access to speech therapy has been life-changing for children like Ivy and Reggie. Ivy, once frustrated and unable to communicate, has made significant progress and can now make herself understood both at home and at school. Reggie’s speech issues have also improved, and he has gained confidence, becoming a chatterbox. The positive outcomes of therapy highlight the importance of early identification and support for children with speech and language difficulties.
Conclusion:
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on children’s speech and language development, with limited access to therapy services during lockdowns. The long waiting lists and delays in receiving support have left many children struggling to catch up with their peers. Early intervention and specialized speech therapy play a crucial role in addressing these difficulties and preventing long-term consequences for children’s academic and emotional well-being. It is imperative that governments and educational institutions prioritize the identification and support of children with speech and language difficulties to ensure their success in school and beyond.
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