Over one million children in the UK have some kind of speech language and communication needs. This is known as SLCN for short.
Every child is different. Their needs depend on different factors including:
- which areas of speech, language and communication they struggle with
- how severely these areas are affected
- what skills and strengths they have
- how they need to use their skills
- their level of confidence and self-esteem
Children develop their talking and understanding of words at different rates. Speech and Language UK have a guide showing the typical stages of speech and language development in babies, children and young people.
BBC Tiny Happy People and Hungry Little Minds have activities and ways you can help develop your child's communication skills.
If you are worried about your child's speech and language, you can contact your Health and Children's Centre team.
You may find the following links useful:
Speech and Language Therapy services
For children not attending a preschool or nursery, your referral route for Speech and Language therapy is through your Health & Children's Centre.
If your child is attending a preschool or nursery, talk to a member of the staff if you have concerns.
If you are a Preschool and Nursery you can follow your direct referral routes for Speech and Language therapy.
If you are worried about your child's speech, language or communication you can call:
- If you live in East or West Suffolk call the Health Business Centre on 0345 607 8866
- If you live in Lowestoft or Waveney call Just One Number on 0300 300 0123
Find out more about the Speech and Language Therapy team and what they offer:
Glue Ear
Glue ear is one of the most common childhood conditions in children aged 2-6 and is where the middle part of the ear canal fills up with fluid. This can cause temporary hearing loss and usually clears up within 3 months. Other symptoms of glue ear may be earache, ringing sounds or problems with balance. If glue ear lasts a long time it can affect a child's speech development and progress at school.
If you notice that your child is experiencing any hearing difficulties you should see a GP who will be able to advise further and consider if further specialist treatment is required. This NHS Glue Ear webpage provides further information about glue ear and details of treatment that your GP may recommend.
Get the Hear Glue Ear app which is a valuable tool to help families manage their child's glue ear at home.
