Generating key takeaways...
Amid soaring demand and stretched NHS services, speech therapist Joanne Jones develops accessible tools like the ‘Can Do’ programme and a WhatsApp-based support system to empower families and improve outcomes for children with communication difficulties.
Joanne Jones, a seasoned speech therapist with over 20 years of NHS experience, highlights a growing crisis in speech, language, and communication support for children in Scotland. “I think one in five children now have got speech, language, and communication difficulties pre-school,” she states, reflecting a significant rise in demand that far outstrips the capacity of existing speech therapy departments. This surge, she explains, is compounded by budget cuts and financial constraints where “speech therapy is not always up there” in funding priorities. Research underscores this challenge, revealing that thousands of Scottish children face prolonged waits even for an initial assessment, while government data indicates a more than 50% increase over the past decade in pupils with recognised language or speech disorders, alongside a sharp rise in those requiring general communication support.
Jones’s observations resonate with trends seen globally. In the United States, for example, statistics from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) show that roughly 7.2% of children aged 3 to 17 experience voice, speech, or language disorders annually, with the highest prevalence (10.8%) in preschoolers aged 3-6. Boys are statistically more likely to be affected than girls, and there are notable variations across racial and ethnic groups. Despite the prevalence, only about 60% of affected children receive intervention, with disparities evident based on race and gender. This gap in timely intervention often exacerbates developmental challenges and associated mental health issues among children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN).
The importance of early identification and intervention is widely recognised by medical authorities. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for speech and language delays in children aged five and younger, noting that about 10% of children enter school with SLCN that can impact educational and social outcomes. However, the USPSTF also highlights the need for further research to better define the most effective screening and intervention strategies. Concurrently, experts emphasise the adverse mental health implications of unmet communication needs. A research study reported by Twinkl News underlines that children with SLCN are at higher risk of emotional difficulties, underscoring the necessity for interventions that combine both language development and mental health support.
Faced with overstretched services and lengthy waiting lists that leave families anxious and without support, Jones sought innovative solutions beyond traditional therapy models. She launched a free, social media-based five-day challenge aimed at empowering parents to actively support their children’s communication development from home. The overwhelming participation led her to develop the more structured “Can Do” programme, which adopts a strength-based approach, focusing on what the child can do rather than deficits. Jones observed that when parents engage with their children’s interests and capabilities, progress is notable, and parental anxiety significantly reduces.
However, in 2023, algorithm changes on social media threatened the reach of these initiatives. Undeterred, Jones collaborated with NHS contacts and tech professionals to create accessible delivery methods, leading to the development of a bespoke app and a pioneering use of the popular messaging service WhatsApp to distribute resources and guidance. This method removes barriers such as complicated logins and caters to diverse demographic needs. NHS Greater Manchester reported offering Can Do on a ‘while you wait’ basis to families, describing it as “a huge success, exceeding all of our expectations with overwhelmingly positive feedback.”
Jones stresses that the Can Do programme is intended to supplement, not replace, professional speech therapy. She emphasises its role in equipping parents with practical skills and support during what can be a protracted wait for formal therapy. This preparatory engagement benefits the child, reduces family stress, and ultimately improves the efficiency and outcomes of subsequent therapy sessions. The approach reflects a broader recognition in the field that early, family-centred intervention is vital for effective management of speech and language disorders.
Overall, the increasing prevalence of speech and language difficulties among children, contrasted with limited service capacity, calls for innovative support models. Integrating technology and empowering families through accessible, evidence-informed programmes like Can Do represents a promising step towards addressing these systemic challenges. Yet, ongoing research and investment are crucial to ensure all children receive timely, effective support to reach their full communicative potential.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments, including the launch of the ‘Can Do’ programme and its adaptation to WhatsApp in 2023. However, similar concerns about speech therapy waiting times in Scotland have been reported since at least July 2023. ([rcslt.org](https://www.rcslt.org/news/troubling-times-for-those-waiting-for-speech-and-language-therapy-in-scotland/?utm_source=openai)) The ‘Can Do’ programme, developed by Joanne Jones, has been available since at least 2020. ([thehomeofcando.com](https://www.thehomeofcando.com/?utm_source=openai)) The adaptation to WhatsApp in 2023 is a recent update, but the core programme is not new. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Joanne Jones in the narrative appear to be original, with no exact matches found in earlier material. However, similar sentiments about the challenges in speech therapy services and the importance of early intervention have been expressed by her in previous reports. ([manchesterworld.uk](https://www.manchesterworld.uk/news/how-parents-can-help-children-with-speech-and-language-therapists-tips-3921891?utm_source=openai)) The wording varies, but the underlying message remains consistent.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, The Herald Scotland, which adds credibility. Joanne Jones, the primary source, is a seasoned speech therapist with over 20 years of NHS experience and has been featured in various reputable outlets. ([manchesterworld.uk](https://www.manchesterworld.uk/news/how-parents-can-help-children-with-speech-and-language-therapists-tips-3921891?utm_source=openai)) The ‘Can Do’ programme is also associated with NHS-backed support, further enhancing its reliability. ([thehomeofcando.com](https://www.thehomeofcando.com/?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the increasing demand for speech therapy services in Scotland and the development of the ‘Can Do’ programme are plausible and supported by existing data. The adaptation of the programme to WhatsApp in 2023 is a reasonable response to the challenges posed by lengthy waiting times. However, the narrative lacks specific factual anchors, such as exact figures on waiting times and the number of families served by the ‘Can Do’ programme, which would strengthen its credibility. The tone and language used are consistent with the region and topic, and there are no excessive or off-topic details.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents a timely and credible account of the challenges in speech therapy services in Scotland and the innovative response through the ‘Can Do’ programme. While some information is not entirely new, the recent adaptation to WhatsApp in 2023 adds freshness. The sources are reliable, and the claims are plausible, though the lack of specific data points slightly diminishes the overall strength.
