- 20% of 4-year old children have difficulty understanding or using language.
- 50-90% of children with persistent speech, language and communication difficulties go on to have reading difficulties.
- Communication difficulties can sometimes run in families, and sometimes their cause is unknown. They can also be misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
- Speech and language difficulties can affect participating and learning at school including literacy, numeracy and interacting socially with other children.
- Adolescents with communication difficulties are known to be at risk for academic, social, emotional and behavioural problems.
- Long term implications of speech and language impairment include poor academic achievement, risk to mental health, reduced employment options and social isolation.