The results of the survey by I CAN, the charity that helps children who have speech and language difficulties, in conjunction with Nursery World, were published at the start of the charity's annual Chatterbox Challenge initiative this week. It found that 89 per cent of nursery staff were worried that speech, language and communication difficulties among pre-school-age children were growing.
Nursery staff reported more children having problems concentrating, speaking clearly and following instructions. Children often responded with monosyllabic answers or gestures rather than appropriate language. Almost all (96 per cent) of the respondents said they had at least one child with communication difficulties in their nursery, while 10 per cent said they had at least ten children with such problems.
Respondents blamed several factors, including a lack of time spent by children and adults talking together, the use of television to pacify a child and the trend for parents to talk on behalf of their child instead of letting the child have a say. Some criticised the use of videos and computers in the home.
Gill Edelman, I CAN chief executive, said, 'Despite the large numbers of children affected, there is still a low awareness of this hidden disability. It is imperative that parents and nursery workers understand the integral roles they play. Both are critical in the development of the child.
'Early intervention is crucial so that we can ensure that children with speech and language difficulties have the same opportunities in life as other children.'
