Specialist Support - Getting More Help
Some children might need more specialised help, like one-on-one sessions or small group activities with speech and language therapists or other professionals. This support is tailored to the child’s unique needs and often includes the people who know them best—like teachers, early years staff, and family—so they can make steady progress wherever they are.
The Specialist Support section of the Communication Offer helps families find the right support for children and young people who have more complex, ongoing or specific speech, language and communication needs.
What Kind of Support Can I Find?
You’ll find details about services that provide:
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Speech and Language Therapy – helping children who struggle with talking, understanding, or social interaction.
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Audiology and Hearing Support – for children with hearing difficulties or diagnosed deafness.
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Autism and Developmental Support – including assessments and tailored help for communication or sensory needs.
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Support in Education Settings – from specialist teachers and outreach teams who work in schools and nurseries.
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Third Sector Support – charities and community groups offering practical help, social activities, and home-based support.
How Does It Help Me as a Parent/Carer?
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Explains what each service does
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Tells you how to get a referral or contact them
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Helps you understand what to expect from support
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Points you to helpful resources you can use at home
More Information
Here is a guide to Specialist services
Speech and Language Therapy Service
Speech and Language Therapy Service
Who it’s for
Pre-school and school-age children with complex speech, language, or communication difficulties.
What you can expect
- A specialist starts with a face-to-face assessment (at a clinic or school) to set goals for your child.
- Support Plan is provided
- This may be followed by ongoing support—modelling, coaching, or group sessions tailored to your child.
A Speech and Language Therapy Support Plan is a simple, personalised guide that explains how we’ll help your child develop their communication skills.
It includes:
- What your child needs help with – like talking, understanding words, using sentences, or social interaction.
- What support will be put in place – this could be fun games, structured activities, or strategies used at home and school.
- Who will help – usually a speech and language therapist working closely with you, your child’s teacher, and any other professionals involved.
- Clear goals – small, achievable steps we want your child to work toward (e.g. using more words, asking for help, following instructions).
How to access
Hearing & Audiology Support
Hearing & Audiology Support
Deaf & Hearing Impairment Education Support (DAHIT)
Deaf & Hearing Impairment Education Support (DAHIT)
Who it’s for
Children with diagnosed deafness or hearing impairment.
What you can expect
- Specialist teachers and support workers help in school and educational settings.
- Ongoing input from diagnosis through school years
How to access
Contact and Referral Information
Specialist and 3rd Sector Support
Specialist and 3rd Sector Support
- Private SLT: Independent speech therapy—self-referral. Find a Speech and Language Therapist
- Portage: Home-based program for under 3s.
- Leeds Mencap: Social and developmental activities for children with additional needs.
