How do I help my child with speech struggling?
Speech development varies hugely between children, and can be difficult to predict. However, there are health professionals who you can speak to if you’re concerned about a child’s speech and language skills:
- There are plenty of online resources to help you gauge your child’s progress. For example, the NHS Start For Life service and information from places like Great Ormond St Hospital among others.
- Your health visitor should be informed if you still have concerns. They may speak to you over the phone, or arrange to meet you and your child at home to discuss your concerns. They can also refer you to local speech and language therapist (SLT) if needed, or to local groups and activities.
- Nursery/school staff can also discuss and answer questions about child development and help to keep an eye on progress.
- Local speech and language services can be contacted by your health visitor, or without a referral as well. You can telephone your local GP surgery and ask for the contact number or check online here. Most areas in the UK have their own NHS services which can be found online.
- Independent therapists are another option, and can provided more immediate appointments and a wider range of therapy options.
This is a good video about how SLT can help.
