Speech, learning and movement

3 mins read

This advice applies across the UK.

Is your child slow to understand simple words, do they use few words, or have difficulty making certain sounds compared with other children of their age?

Speech and communication

Is your child slow to understand simple words, do they use few words, or have difficulty making certain sounds compared with other children of their age?

A doctor or health visitor might refer you to:

• An audiologist who works with children who have hearing difficulties and can advise on aids to improve hearing
• A speech and language therapist who can work with you and your child to develop communication skills; if a child cannot talk, they can help them find other ways to communicate.

If your child is under five, a doctor or health visitor might suggest:

• A pre-school home visiting service which helps children with early communication and pre-school learning skills
• A nursery or play school/group that has people trained to help your child develop social skills

Speech and language therapy for children is often an educational provision. This means that funding for it can be provided by the local authority as well as by a health trust. Speech and language therapy should be identified in your child’s statement of special educational needs (in Wales and Northern Ireland) or EHC plan (England) or coordinated support plan (Scotland). Read more about extra help in education

Augmentative and alternative communication

Alternative and augmentative communication, also known as alternative and assistive communication (AAC) is used to describe all the different ways that help people with disabilities communicate. AAC aids range from printed picture symbols, to high-tech tools, such as voice recognition equipment.

• Communication Matters supports people of all ages who find communication difficult because they have little or no clear speech. Information on AAC to supplement the more usual methods of speech and writing.
• AAC Scotland has a range of practical AAC resources.
• Ace Centre has free resources and information on getting an assessment for AACs.
• Speech and Language UK has in-depth information, advice and support about communication aids and equipment which may be available to help your child.

Find out more about aids and equipment that may be available.

Difficulties learning or poor attention skills

Does your child have problems remembering information, learning early education skills, or responding to requests?

A doctor or health visitor might refer you to:

• A nursery or play school/group for children under five that has people trained to help your child learn new skills
• A pre-school home visiting service to help your child with early communication and learning skills, long before they start school
• A special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), a teacher responsible for coordinating any extra support a child needs in England and Wales; in Scotland the home visiting teacher, the child’s class teacher or another member of school staff takes on this role
• An educational psychologist might observe your child and advise on which teaching or behaviour programmes will be of most benefit.

Find out more about educational support in the early years.

Movement and coordination

Does your child have difficulty sitting up, walking, handling objects, or using certain parts of their body compared with other children of their age?

A doctor or health visitor might refer you to:

• A physiotherapist who can advise you and help with exercises to improve your child’s mobility and coordination
• An occupational therapist to assess your child’s coordination and mobility, provide advice and recommend aids/equipment to help with everyday activities.

Related information

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We run a range of fun workshops, information sessions and online events, where you can meet families like yours.

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Is your child having difficulty meeting certain milestones? We can help.

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