Preschool children are busy talking, exploring and playing. All of these
activities are important for his or her growth and development – and for
learning communication skills.
Children need well developed communication skills when it’s time to start
going to school – to make friends, learn new things, and start learning to read
and write. Communication skills are critical to a child’s future success.
You play an important part in the ongoing communication development of
children. Talking, listening and playing with children will help to build the skills
they need to succeed in school and in life.
About one in ten children needs help developing normal speech and language
skills. Without help, it’s a struggle to listen and talk, it’s difficult to learn to
read and it’s hard to play with other children.
Developmental Milestones – These developmental milestones show some of
the skills that mark children’s progress as they learn to communicate. If the
child is not meeting one or more of these milestones, please contact your local
Speech and Language Therapy Department.
By Age 2
 Points to pictures in a
book when named.
By Age 3
 understands “who”,
“what”,“where” and
“why” questions,
creates long sentences,
using 5 to 8 words.
 Uses around 50 words
and learns to use new
words every month.
 Tries simple sentences
 Tells simple Stories.
 Engages in multi-step
By Age 4
 Follows directions
involving 3 or more
steps – “first get some
paper, then draw a
picture, last give it to
mom”.
 Uses adult –type
grammar.
 Tells stories with a clear
with 2 or 3 words such
as ‘doggy gone’, ‘more
juice’, ‘daddy go work’.
 Talks to themselves or
their toys during play.
pretend play – cooking
a meal, repairing a car.
beginning, middle and
end.
 Talks about past events  Talks to try to solve
– trip to grandparents’
problems with adults
house, day at childcare.
and other children.
 Begins to feed
 Shows affection for
 Demonstrates
themselves and others
favourite playmates.
increasingly complex
in play.
imaginative play.
 Is understood by most  Is understood by most  Is understood by
people outside of the
people outside of the
strangers almost all of
family, about half of the
family, most of the
the time.
time.
time.
 Points to a few body
parts when asked.
 Follows simple
commands, such as
‘kiss teddy’, ‘roll the
ball’ and understands
simple questions such
as ‘where’s your shoe?’
 Is aware of the function  Is able to generate
of print – in menus, lists
simple rhymes – “Catand signs.
bat”.
 Has a beginning
 Matches some letters
interest in, and
with their sounds –
awareness of rhyming.
“letter T says “tuh”.
Speech and Language Therapy Department
The Speech and Language Therapy Department provides services to children
from birth to 18 years. Assessment and a range of treatment services are
provided to children and their families across areas in many different settings
as close to home as possible.
If you have concerns about a child’s speech and language skills you can get
help from the Speech and Language Department by completing and returning
the referral form overleaf.
Note: Parental consent is required.
Children will be assessed within 16 weeks of our receipt of the referral.
Speech & Language Therapy Dept.,
Unit 3,
Waterford Regional Hospital,
Dunmore Road, Waterford.
051 – 842159
Speech & Language Therapy Dept.,
Dungarvan Community Hospital,
Dungarvan,
Co. Waterford.
058 – 51225/058 - 20941
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
REFERRAL FORM.
CHILD’S NAME:____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
PHONE NO.: _______________________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH: ___________________________________________________________
SCHOOL:__________________________________________________________________
REFERRED BY:
PARENT

TEACHER

OTHER (PLEASE STATE):____________________________________________________
YOUR NAME:______________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________________
PHONE NO.: _______________________________________________________________
REASON FOR REFERRAL:___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
HAS YOUR CHILD ALREADY ATTENDED FOR
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY?
YES / NO
PLEASE NOTE: PARENTAL CONSENT IS NECESSARY FOR ALL REFERRALS.
SIGNED: ________________________________ DATE:________________________
THE CHILD’S NAME WILL BE PLACED ON OUR WAITING LIST ON RECEIPT OF THIS FORM.