Children and young people who have speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) face challenges in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty understanding language, using language to express themselves forming speech sounds in order to articulate words correctly or understanding the rules of social interaction. Children can have difficulty with just one of these areas or a combination of more than one.

Speech, language, and communication is important for:

• reading
• learning
• making friends
• understanding and controlling emotions or feelings

Children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) are likely to encounter particular challenges with social interaction. They may also experience difficulties with language, communication, and imagination, affecting their ability to engage with others effectively.

Useful websites and contacts:

The Kent Autistic Trust offers information and family support  

www.kentautistictrust.org

Austism.org.uk good source for advice and information

www.autism.org.uk

National Autistic Society a wealth of information on Autism Spectrum Condition

https://www.autism.org.uk

Speech and Language.org.uk a wealth of information on speech, language and communication needs.

https://speechandlanguage.org.uk

Reading Rockets lots of information on helping children to read.

https://www.readingrockets.org/

Speech and Language Kids Vocabulary Resource Page

https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com

The Pod offers information on children’s therapies such as Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy.

https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/childrens-therapies-the-pod/speech-and-language-therapy/

Kent County Council – Advice and information from KCC regarding SLCN

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs/types-of-send/speech,-language-and-communication-needs#tab-1,2,3,4,5

ICAN is an information service for parents and practitioners offering a range of help and advice on speech, language and communication for all school-aged children

https://www.icancharity.org.uk/

AFASIC offers support to parents with children and young people who have a speech, language and communication need

www.afasic.org.uk

The Buzz A website for deaf children and young people

https://www.buzz.org.uk/