New data from early childhood centres across Australia shows that more children under 3 are struggling to hit basic speech milestones. Experts blame everything from screen time to post-pandemic social delays — but no matter
the cause, the result is the same:
 

Children are entering preschool with fewer words, more frustration, and weaker communication skills.
 

But one small device, originally developed as a teaching aid, is now gaining serious traction among parents — and speech experts say it’s more effective than you’d expect.

It’s called the Audible Flashcard Device, and while it looks like a simple toy, its impact is anything but.
 

The concept is straightforward: Toddlers slide picture cards into the device, and it clearly says the word aloud. Over time, kids start to repeat, associate, and remember words — often far faster than traditional methods like flashcards or storybooks alone.
 

“It’s speech learning without the pressure,” says Dr. Leanne Foster, a paediatric language specialist based in Melbourne. “Children engage because it feels like play. But what’s actually happening is accelerated auditory processing and vocabulary building.”