Speech and language therapy can support your child to communicate, understand others and take part in everyday life.
It also helps make it easier for your child to eat, drink and feel confident.
What is speech and language therapy?
Speech and language therapy helps children with:
- Talking and being understood
- Listening and understanding
- Joining in with others
- Eating and drinking safely
A speech and language therapist works with your child and the people around them to help make daily life easier.
How can it support your child?
Speech and language therapy can support your child by:
- Making changes to the environment so things are easier
- Helping them communicate in ways that work for them
- Building confidence to join in with others
- Supporting them to take part at home, school and in the community
This might include changing how people speak, using visuals, or adapting activities so your child can join in.
Who might need support?
Your child may benefit from support if they:
- Find it hard to talk or be understood
- Find it hard to understand words or instructions
- Feel worried about speaking
- Have a stammer
- Use little or no words
- Have difficulty eating or swallowing
Some children may need support because of learning needs, hearing differences or other conditions.
What does a speech and language therapist do?
A speech and language therapist will:
- Get to know your child and what they enjoy
- Look at what helps your child communicate
- Notice what makes things harder
- Work with you to create a plan
They might:
- Use play and fun activities to build skills
- Show different ways to communicate (such as pictures or gestures)
- Give advice to families, carers and teachers
- Make changes to support your child in their everyday environments
Why is this important?
Communication helps children:
- Make friends
- Share their needs and feelings
- Enjoy learning
- Feel included and understood
- Being able to eat and drink safely also helps keep your child healthy.
How can I get support?
You can ask for help through:
- Your GP or health visitor
- Your child’s nursery or school
- Your local NHS services
Some families also choose private therapists.
