Literacy Partnerships: the Very Early Years

Referral Indicators

(Acknowledgments to Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Departments Gippsland Southern Health Service)

Five Years

Refer to Speech Pathologist if:

  • Child cannot follow directions.  Has poor attention and concentration skills.
  • Child's speech and/or language is difficult to understand.
  • Child stutters.
  • Any eating difficulties.
  • Voice is husky, hoarse or disappears at times.
  • Child doesn't seem to be hearing instructions.

Refer to Occupational Therapist if:

  • Walks with wobbly gait - unable to run or walk on narrow line.
  • Unable to grip strongly with either hand.
  • Disorganised - appears "clumsy and floppy or tight."
  • Difficulty holding crayon between thumb, index and middle fingers to draw 0 and man.
  • Difficulty holding scissors - opening and closing them.
  • Unable to use fork and spoon.
  • Difficulty undressing/dressing self.
  • Unable to play with others, prefers to play alone.
  • Appears fearful to be lifted above the ground.