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Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)

Last Updated - October 26, 2023

Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)

SLCN is an umbrella term for all types of speech, language and communication needs. Sometimes SLCN is associated with an underlying or co-concurring condition such as autism, hearing loss, cleft palate neurodegenerative conditions and genetic conditions eg cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome . However, there are times when there may be no clearly identifiable cause. This is known as Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

SLCN is often considered to be a ‘hidden disability’. Some aspects of SLCN are more apparent than others, particularly those associated with speech and sound. Others are less so, for example, the child who is experiencing difficulty in understanding or using language may appear to be withdrawn/passive, lacking focus, confused or even rude. Some children are very skilled at hiding their difficulties e.g. by watching other people so they know what to do or by pretending they know when they don’t. Some children may:

  • Have difficulty saying what they want to, even though they have ideas
  • Struggle to find the words they want to use
  • Talk in sentences but be difficult to understand
  • Sound muddled; it can be difficult to follow what they are saying
  • Find it difficult to understand words and long instructions
  • Have difficulty remembering the words they want to say
  • Find it hard to join in and follow what is going on in the playground

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