title: Speech and language support: How physicians can identify and treat speech and language delays in the office setting.
abstract: Failure to recognize and intervene early in speech and language delays can lead to multifaceted and potentially severe consequences for early child development and later literacy skills. While routine evaluations of speech and language during well-child visits are recommended, there is no standardized (office) approach to facilitate this. Furthermore, extensive wait times for speech and language pathology consultation represent valuable lost time for the child and family. Using speech and language expertise, and paediatric collaboration, key content for an office-based tool was developed.
  early and accurate identification of speech and language delays as well as children at risk for literacy challenges; appropriate referral to speech and language services when required; and teaching and, thus, empowering parents to create rich and responsive language environments at home. Using this tool, in combination with the Canadian Paediatric Society's Read, Speak, Sing and Grow Literacy Initiative, physicians will be better positioned to offer practical strategies to caregivers to enhance children's speech and language capabilities. The tool represents a strategy to evaluate speech and language delays. It depicts age-specific linguistic/phonetic milestones and suggests interventions. The tool represents a practical interim treatment while the family is waiting for formal speech and language therapy consultation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton;
authors.forename: Madhavi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moharir
authors.affiliation: Preschool Speech and Language Program, Toronto Public Health;
authors.forename: Noel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto;
authors.forename: Jillian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Taras
authors.affiliation: Preschool Speech and Language Program, Toronto Public Health;
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; ; Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
authors.forename: E Lee
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Ford-Jones
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; ; Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Levin
keywords: Child development; Early years; Health care delivery; Language; Speech