Why does my child have communication difficulties linked to a medical or neurological condition?
Some children have communication difficulties linked to medical, neurological or developmental needs. This may include children with cerebral palsy, brain injury, genetic syndromes, complex needs or other neurological conditions.
Your child may understand more than they can say, need more time to respond or use different ways to communicate alongside speech.
What this can look like
Your child may:
- have speech that sounds unclear, slurred or effortful
- find it difficult to control the movements needed for speech
- struggle to express their thoughts clearly
- need more time to process and respond
- use alternative ways to communicate alongside speech
- become frustrated because they understand more than they can say
What may be going on
These difficulties may be linked to motor speech difficulties, language needs, cognitive-communication needs, physical access needs or wider developmental needs.
Every child’s communication profile is different, so assessment helps identify strengths as well as areas where support is needed.
How assessment helps
A speech and language assessment looks at how your child understands, expresses themselves and communicates in everyday situations.
It may also consider whether your child would benefit from alternative or augmentative communication, visual supports, parent strategies, school recommendations or liaison with other professionals.
How I can help
I provide online assessment, parent consultation, therapy and practical guidance tailored to your child’s needs. Support may focus on helping your child express themselves more clearly, use communication strategies, access alternative ways to communicate or reduce frustration.
Where appropriate, I can also provide written recommendations to support home, school or EHCP planning.
Not sure if this sounds like your child?
That’s okay. You do not need to know the reason before asking for help.
Book a free 15-minute consultation and we can talk through your concerns together.