New early support booklet available for parents

29th November 2005

A new early support booklet, Information for parents: speech and language difficulties, is now available.

Developed by Early Support with the Department of Health, the RCSLT, Afasic, ICAN and, most importantly, parents with first hand experience, the free booklet is aimed for use specifically with children under the age of three.

This booklet is for parents who suspect that their child is struggling to learn to talk, or who have recently been told that their child has, or will have, particular difficulty developing communication and language. It passes on information that other families have said is useful to have in the early stages of recognising there is a problem and finding a way forward.

"If you are in the early stages of exploring your child's situation, the booklet can help by explaining how children normally develop communication, language and speech and how adults help," the book tells parents.

"The material also explains how to set about getting professional help. On the way, it explains about speech and language therapy - what it is, who provides it, how to get it and what to do with it, once you have it."

Early Support is the central government mechanism for achieving better-coordinated, family-focused services for young children with disabilities and their families across England.

The Department for Education and Skills funds the programme through Sure Start and has been developed in conjunction with the Department of Health and the voluntary sector. Programme materials are available free to parents and those who work directly with young children and their families in England.

Information for parents: speech and language difficulties is one of a series designed to help families find out more about a range of disabilities.

To receive a copy, telephone 0845 602 2260, quote the title of the booklet and the reference number ESPP14 or visit Early Support