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Innovative family support models aim to address rising speech and language needs among children in Scotland and beyond

Monday, 1 September 2025 4:06AM UTC

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

More on this

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25396511.whatsapp-help-speech-therapy-waiting-lists/?ref=rss - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language - The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) provides statistics on voice, speech, and language disorders in children. Approximately 1 in 14 (7.2%) U.S. children aged 3-17 have had a disorder related to voice, speech, or language in the past 12 months. Among children with such disorders, 33.9% of those aged 3-10 have multiple communication disorders, while 25.2% of those aged 11-17 have multiple disorders. Boys are more likely than girls to have a voice, speech, or language disorder (9.1% compared to 5.2%). The prevalence is highest among children aged 3-6 (10.8%). Nearly 1 in 11, or 8.9%, of Black children (ages 3-17) have a voice, speech, or language disorder, compared to 7.3% of White children and 6.4% of Hispanic children. More than half (59.7%) of U.S. children aged 3-17 with a voice, speech, or language disorder received intervention services in the past year. White children with such disorders are more likely to have received intervention services compared to Hispanic and Black children, at 64.3%, 51.7%, and 49.9%, respectively. Boys with these disorders are more likely than girls to receive intervention services, at 62.8% and 53.9%, respectively. Among children aged 3-17 who have voice, speech, or language disorders, those with speech or language problems (67.6% and 66.8%, respectively) are more likely to receive intervention services compared to those with a voice disorder (22.8%).
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/speech-and-language-delay-and-disorders-in-children-age-5-and-younger-screening-july-2015 - The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides a recommendation statement on screening for speech and language delay and disorders in children aged 5 and younger. The statement discusses the prevalence of speech and language disorders in children, noting that approximately 10% of children start school with speech, language, and communication needs. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and the potential benefits of screening for speech and language delays in young children. The USPSTF emphasizes the need for further research to determine the effectiveness of screening and intervention programs for speech and language disorders in children.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK356265/ - The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) provides a summary on speech and language disorders in children. The summary discusses the prevalence and comorbidity of speech and language disorders, noting that they affect between 3 and 16 percent of U.S. children. It also highlights the potential comorbidities associated with these disorders, such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders. The summary emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention to address these disorders and improve outcomes for affected children.
https://www.twinkl.com/news/research-study-supporting-the-mental-health-of-children-with-speech-language-and-communication-needs - Twinkl News reports on a research study supporting the mental health of children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN). The study highlights that approximately 10% of children start school with SLCN, which can impact their mental health. It emphasizes the need for interventions that address both emotional and language needs to support the mental health of children with SLCN. The article also discusses the lack of research on the experience of children with SLCN in mental health services and the importance of tailored interventions.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2814124/ - JAMA Network publishes an article on the USPSTF recommendation statement regarding screening for speech and language delay and disorders in children. The article discusses the prevalence of speech and language disorders in children, noting that nearly 8% of children aged 3 to 17 years have a communication disorder, with boys almost twice as likely to be affected as girls. It also highlights disparities in the prevalence of these disorders based on race and ethnicity, with children identified as non-Hispanic Black being more affected than those identified as Hispanic or White. The article emphasizes the need for further research to determine the effectiveness of screening and intervention programs for speech and language disorders in children.
https://www.kutestkids.com/blog/statistics-on-speech-therapy-outcomes - Kutest Kids provides statistics on speech therapy outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for speech and language disorders. The article notes that approximately 5% to 8% of children may experience difficulties with speech and/or language. It highlights that children with primary speech and/or language disorders can face lasting difficulties that persist into adolescence and adulthood, affecting areas such as reading and spelling. The article underscores the need for timely and effective intervention to address these challenges and improve long-term outcomes for affected children.

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.

Speech therapy
Child development
Digital health innovation