Speech, language, and communication needs
Speech, language, and communication is important for:
- making our needs known
- expressing our likes and dislikes
- building relationships with others
- learning, including reading
- understanding and controlling emotions or feelings.
There are many different types of speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN). Children might struggle with one, some, or all parts of speech which can happen at different points in their lives. Some may also have special educational needs.
In Kent, SLCN is the most common need in early years and primary schools. It is the second most common need in secondary schools. With the right support at the right time, children with SLCN can thrive.
Views of children with SLCN
This is what children and young people in Kent told professionals:
"I say I don't know because I don't know how to explain"
"I don't understand, you're saying too much to me"
"Don't ask me to read aloud or in front of my friends"
"Others ignore me or walk away when I'm talking"
"I don't know what to say, and can't use the right words"
"People don't listen to me"
"Sometimes I do things to get in trouble to avoid talking or asking for help"
Support for your child
Whether your child is in early years, primary school or secondary school, there is help available. Explore our SEND Information Hub to discover how you can get extra help for your child.
Resources to help you and your child
You play a key role in helping your child learn to speak, understand language, and communicate. Every interaction supports their brain development. Even before they are born.
Remember, speech, language, and communication skills develop at different rates. However, knowing what is typical can help identify difficulties early on. Here are some recommended resources to help you. They also offer advice and strategies to help you child whatever stage they are at.
- Speech and Language UK help for families section signs to look out for, typical stages of development and other resources
- The Pod from Kent Community Health Foundation Trust
- Kent Family Hubs webpage offers dedicated developmental support for 0 to 5-year-olds.
For specific speech and communication needs, visit one of the following for support about:
- Autism and communication support from our SEND Information Hub autism webpage
- Developmental Language Disorder help from Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder website
- Downs Syndrome help for parents and parents-to-be with Downs Syndrome children and young people from the Downs Syndrome Association website
- Makaton training and guidance from More Than Words Charity and Makaton
- Selective mutism support from SMiRA
- Stammering speech help for parents, a dedicated parent webpage from STAMMA
- Speech and language development support from Speech and Language UK and Afasic
Or, visit our Local Offer Directory for local and national speech, language, and communication needs support.