New support programme arrives in Estonia: parents learn to help their own child with speech

The Ministry of Social Affairs is launching a support programme in cooperation with Speech Clinic and Haap Consulting, which teaches parents practical skills to support children with communication difficulties. The programme's focus is on parent coaching so they can better assist their child on a daily basis.

A new support programme is being launched in Estonia for families whose child does not speak or has difficulty communicating. The Ministry of Social Affairs is implementing the programme in cooperation with Speech Clinic and Haap Consulting, placing the emphasis on developing parents' practical skills.

Parent becomes the child's primary support

One of the programme's core principles is that the child's own parent — the person closest to them and with whom they spend the most time — can provide the best support. This is why parent coaching holds an important place in the support programme: parents are taught specific and practical methods they can use in a home environment every day.

Many children in Estonia struggle with speech and communication, but access to specialists can be time-consuming. This approach, where the parent themselves acquires skills to support their child, can significantly reduce the time it takes to reach the child and supplement the work of specialist professionals.

Ministry, clinic and consulting firm join forces

The programme's implementation involves three parties: the Ministry of Social Affairs, which coordinates the programme at the national level, specialists from Speech Clinic, who ensure expert content, and Haap Consulting, who bring experience in programme development and implementation. This three-way partnership should ensure that the programme is both evidence-based and practical.

The support programme is primarily aimed at families whose children experience delayed speech development, communication difficulties or other speech-related challenges. Coaching sessions provided to parents help them understand how to support their child's communication through play and everyday situations.