Abstract
Many early interventionists in clinical practice still do not appear to be wholeheartedly committed to participating in the prevention of communication disorders and the promotion of optimal development, which have been identified as primary roles for all professionals (ASHA, 1991). Owing to the prevalence of risk factors such as HIV/AIDS and poverty, infants and young children in developing countries such as South Africa are at an even higher risk for developing communication disorders, resulting in a greater need for early interventionists to focus on the prevention of communication disorders and the tools needed to achieve this. The purpose of this article is to (1) highlight the need for prevention of communication disorders and discuss the different types of prevention strategies used with special reference made to the needs within South Africa; (2) to highlight the potential benefits of caregiver education programs on communication development, including a discussion on a South African study that developed a tool that could be used for caregiver education; and (3) to encourage early interventionists to participate in prevention actions through the provision of practical guidelines and strategies.