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 experts. 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.
What are Speech, Language and Communication Needs?
Children can experience a variety of speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), which can affect different aspects of their communication skills. Here are some common types:
Speech
Articulation difficulties: Difficulty pronouncing words correctly, which can make speech unclear (e.g., lisp)
Stammering or Stuttering: Disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repeating sounds or long pauses.
Speech Sound Disorders are difficulties with how a child says certain sounds. Sometimes it can be hard for others to understand them. Some children have immature or unusual patterns of speech errors. We call this a phonological disorder. Some children have trouble planning and coordinating the mouth movements needed to speak. We call this Apraxia of Speech.
Language
Receptive Language: Difficulty understanding spoken language, including following instructions or understanding questions.
Expressive Language: Trouble finding the right words or forming sentences to express thoughts or ideas.
Pragmatic Language Difficulties
These difficulties affect how children use language in social situations. They may struggle with understanding social cues, taking turns in conversations, or understanding humour or sarcasm.
Voice Disorders
Issues with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that make it hard to speak clearly (e.g., hoarseness, breathiness, or a “nasal” voice).
Social Communication Differences
Social communication differences can involve challenges with understanding or using language in social situations. Reading body language, understanding tone, or taking turns in conversations can be hard. Social rules can be different for each individual. These differences are part of what makes people unique.
Autistic Communication
Autistic children may have unique communication needs. They often have differences in both verbal and non-verbal communication. Their unique characteristics shape how they see and interact with the world. Find out more about different characteristics from the Neurodiversity Information Hub
Hearing Impairments
Children with hearing loss or auditory processing disorders may struggle to hear certain sounds or understand speech, affecting their overall communication.
