Speech and Language

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Speech and Language

What speech and language needs are

Signs and characteristics

Common types of difficulties

Getting assessed and supported

Support in education

Speech and language strategies

Related guidance

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What speech and language needs are

Speech and language needs (often called SLN or SLCN) cover a range of challenges with understanding, producing, or using spoken language.
These can affect how children express thoughts, understand others, and take part in learning and social interaction.

Speech and language needs vary widely — some are short-term developmental delays, while others are long-term communication differences.

Related guidance

Language Disorder
Social Communication Difficulties
Selective Mutism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
SEN Wellbeing

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Signs and characteristics

Children with speech and language needs may:

have unclear or limited speech for their age
find it hard to understand instructions or new vocabulary
struggle to put words together into sentences
use gestures or behaviour instead of words
have difficulty following or joining conversations

Check signs of speech and language needs
Learn how to recognise early communication difficulties.

Common types of difficulties

Speech sound disorders – problems making specific sounds or being understood
Language delay or disorder – difficulties understanding or using words and grammar
Stammering (stuttering) – interruptions to speech flow
Selective mutism – anxiety preventing speech in some situations
Social communication difficulties – challenges using language appropriately in context

Explore types of speech and language needs
Understand how different speech and language conditions affect communication.

Getting assessed and supported

Assessment is carried out by a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and may include:

observation and play-based assessments
standardised tests for understanding and expression
input from parents, carers, and teachers

Early referral is important — even mild speech or language delays can affect confidence and learning if not addressed.

Find out how speech and language needs are assessed and supported

Support in education

Schools and tutors can help by:

using clear, simple language and visual aids
modelling correct speech naturally
checking understanding regularly
providing small-group or one-to-one language sessions
working closely with SLTs and families

Children with significant communication needs may require SEN support or an EHCP including therapy provision.

Read about speech and language support in schools