Early Speech, Language and Communication Development: Which Factors are Associated with Better or Poorer Outcomes?: Key themes

SLC development is a critical foundation for better long-term outcomes for children. Robust speech language and communication development has a recognised association with positive wellbeing and attainment outcomes.  

Biomedical, genetic, social-environmental factors and parental communication approaches interact in a dynamic and unique way to impact on early speech, language and communication development outcomes.

‘Early and often’ parental responsiveness, from the first stages of development, is crucial for speech, language and communication development. 

Some parents face multiple challenges that impact on the home learning environment and need extra help to support their child’s development.

Early intervention approaches can be more effective where there is an understanding about the protective and risk factors associated with better and poorer speech, language and communication development outcomes.

Use of The National Practice Model/My world triangle can provide a practical framework to support the early years workforce identify risk and protective factors for early speech, language and communication development. This approach will help to identify the need for early preventative and supportive interventions.