Does my child need Speech and Language Therapy?
It’s natural for parents and carers to feel concerned or unsure about whether their child may need speech and language support. When signs aren’t always obvious, or you’re unsure what’s typical at their age, it can be difficult to know if extra help is needed or if development is simply unfolding in its own time. This page outlines key indicators that may suggest your child could benefit from a speech and language assessment. With early identification and support, you can help them build the essential communication skills needed for confidence and success.
Keep your child in mind as you read the key indicators of speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN). If possible, discuss this list with your child’s teacher at school, as they can provide valuable insights into your child’s communication in the classroom and with peers.
Does your child have difficulties with…
Attention and Listening, e.g.,:
Difficulty maintaining focus or sustaining attention during tasks.
Easily distracted by noises or other activities
Understanding Words, e.g.,:
Limited vocabulary or difficulty learning new words.
Confusion with abstract concepts (e.g., time, emotions) or words with multiple meanings.
Trouble explaining the meaning of words or finding the right words when speaking.
Grammar and Sentence Structure, e.g.,:
Frequent grammatical errors, persisting throughout childhood, such as incorrect use of tenses or plurals or formulating more complex sentences.
Difficulty organising and sequencing ideas in sentences.
Struggles to form complete or coherent sentences.
Social Communication, e.g.,:
Difficulty understanding social cues (e.g., turn-taking in conversations, body language).
Finds it hard to stay on topic or continue a conversation.
Misinterprets jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language like idioms.
Executive Functioning Skills, e.g.,:
Forgets instructions or details quickly, even after listening.
Struggles with multi-step or complex instructions.
Gets lost or confused during tasks that require planning or focus.
Speech Clarity, e.g.,:
Speech is unclear or hard to understand, especially by unfamiliar people.
Frequently pauses, repeats, or struggles to get words out.
Speech sounds are missing or substituted (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”).
Thinking and Problem-Solving, e.g.,:
Finds it hard to make sense of spoken information or follow conversations.
Struggles to use language to reason, solve problems, or predict outcomes.
Difficulty organising thoughts or recalling information in a logical sequence.
Confidence and Well-being, e.g.,:
Communication difficulties impacting self-esteem, social interactions, or academic progress.
Withdraws from social situations due to frustration or embarrassment.
Difficulties with understanding and expressing feelings appropriately
If your child shows any of these signs, Speech and Language Therapy can support them to overcome challenges and reach their communication potential.