Waiting for speech therapy: a group to help the under-3s.

It can take up to two years for a child with speech problems to be seen by a speech therapist. The waiting period can be stressful for parents and frustrating for the child, who may begin to show behaviour problems. Group sessions for up to 10 children with speech problems aged 2-3 years and their parents produced positive benefits during the waiting period. The groups were set up and managed by a health visitor with input from a speech and language therapist and outside speakers. The parents learnt how children's communication skills develop and were shown simple techniques for helping their child's speech. They were also helped to understand and manage behaviour problems such as tantrums which may be linked to the child's speech difficulties. The majority of parents confirmed that their children's speech had improved since joining the group. Parents gained mutual support from attending the groups and their children benefited from socialising with the other children. This was a low-cost, flexible scheme set up in response to local needs and demand, showing the benefits of teamwork and of involving parents in their children's treatment and care.