Introduction to Speech, Language and Communication Needs

This is one of a suite of 12 short films made by the Centre for Education and Youth and Whole School SEND for the Department for Education. The films provide...

Information from the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years

6.28 Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with SLCN is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.

6.29 Children and young people with ASD, including Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism, are likely to have particular difficulties with social interaction. They may also experience difficulties with language, communication and imagination, which can impact on how they relate to others.

Communication and Interaction 

How is this need identified?

Children with speech, language and communication needs have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.

Children and young people may have difficulty with:

Receptive Language

Difficulty in understanding and processing language

Expressive Language

Difficulty with the use of spoken language or nonverbal communication

Pragmatic/social communication

Difficulty with social interaction, social cognition, and pragmatics.

Speech sound difficulty

Difficulty with phonological skills or articulation skills. The difficulty may not be restricted to one area and may be demonstrated at different levels.