In the serene environment near the Murray River, Jade Scown finds solace among the trees. For Jade, the outdoors offers a peaceful escape where she feels understood. Her mother, Krissy Scown, first noticed Jade's speech difficulties when she was just two years old. Unlike her peers, Jade struggled to form words and communicate effectively. After a lengthy search, it took over a decade for Jade to find a speech pathologist who could help her with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a condition that affects her ability to coordinate the movements necessary for speech.

CAS is a rare disorder that can hinder a child's verbal communication. Early intervention is crucial for improving speech skills, but Krissy faced challenges in finding appropriate therapy in their regional Victorian town. "It was just heartbreaking to see how frustrating it was for her," Krissy said. According to the Australian Early Development Census, one in four children start school with inadequate communication skills, influenced by various medical and environmental factors.

The shortage of speech pathologists in Australia exacerbates the issue. Many professionals have transitioned to private practice, leading to long waitlists for public services, sometimes extending up to two years. Kathryn McKinley, President of Speech Pathology Australia, noted that many parents struggle to identify speech delays and access necessary services. "There's not always services available for people where they live, and there's limited funding," she explained. Without early intervention, children may face long-term challenges in literacy, learning, and social interactions.

Jade's journey has been marked by struggles, including bullying during her formative years. Krissy recalled, "It was soul-breaking just to see her curl up in herself." After years of searching, Jade finally began therapy with Olga Komadina, a specialist in apraxia, when she was 11. By then, Jade had missed the critical window for early intervention, which affected her literacy and reading skills. Now, she attends therapy sessions twice a week, focusing on forming words from syllables.

The therapy has significantly boosted Jade's confidence and engagement in the classroom. "Her confidence has grown, she's matured and she's a lot happier," Krissy said. Jade's love for reading has flourished, and she is now able to express herself more freely, even agreeing to speak on camera.

McKinley emphasized the need for a national approach to address speech delays during early childhood. She advocates for collaboration between speech pathologists and educators to support children's communication development. "All too often, children and families are not getting the support that they need," she stated.

In response to these challenges, the Australian government is launching a new program called Thriving Kids, aimed at supporting children with developmental delays. Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the importance of early identification and intervention for children.

In Morwell, a regional town, the local primary school has implemented a speech therapy program to address the needs of students like Riley Freestone, who struggled with speech when he started kindergarten. His father, Ash Freestone, noted that Riley's speech improved significantly after participating in the program. The school’s oral language program focuses on enhancing vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, enabling children to better engage in lessons.

Simone Richardson, the principal of Morwell Park Primary School, acknowledged the financial barriers many families face in accessing speech therapy. "Without us offering [speech therapy] or providing it within the school, the children may not have access to it," she said.

Riley's experience illustrates the positive impact of early intervention. After participating in the speech program, he began Prep with improved communication skills, allowing him to express himself more effectively in the classroom.