Talking Point is a resource that provides information on children’s communication including young people and the skills they need to progress in life.

A lot of children have difficulty with speech, language and communication. About 1 in 10 in fact. People with these difficulties often find it hard to have conversations with others. This is because they have difficulty listening, speaking or understanding what others have said.

Here is the sort of thing that someone with these difficulties might say:

• “I find it hard to concentrate on what people are saying”
• “It’s hard to understand some of the words people say”
• “I don’t always know that someone is talking to me. I have to watch the other people at school to see what to do”
• “I don’t hear or remember everything people say to me. Sometimes I only remember the first or last bit.”
• “I can’t understand when someone talks in long sentences”
• “I know what I want to say, but can’t get the words out”
• “My sentences get in a muddle. I have lots of ideas, but I can’t say them the right way”
• “I can think of a good story but it goes wrong when I write it”
• “My words sound funny sometimes. People don’t understand what I say.”
• “I can’t always hear the sounds in words”
• ” I want to join in with my friends but they are talking too fast”
• “I don’t really understand the rules of the game”
• “I forget what we were talking about and talk about something else”
• “I don’t know what to say to people when I meet them”
• “I get frustrated and angry”
• “Reading and writing are difficult”

Learning and making friends can be hard. There are things that might help you in the classroom. These things will help you with your friends and family too.

• Your teacher, family or friends need to know if you don’t understand. Can you tell them? You can work out a way to let them know. You could hold up a red card if you are stuck or don’t understand. You could keep the red card on your desk or in your pocket.
• You need to see what someone is saying to you. You need to sit so that you can see your teacher’s face. If you are at home, you need to look at your friends or family if they are talking. It will help you to understand what they are saying
• Think of another way to say something. You could draw a picture or show someone what you mean. Can you think of another word to say what you are thinking?
• Take your time before you answer. Plan what you are going to say, then say it.
• Make sure you write down the things that you need to do. Write down the jobs your mum has asked you to do at home. Write down what your homework is. It will help you remember.
• Tell people what helps you. Talk to your family about things that you find tricky. Tell them about things they can do to help.
• Talk to your teacher. Tell them what you need them to do. This will help them know how to help you. You could ask them to talk more slowly or draw a picture if it helps you.
• Keep a dictionary of tricky words. Then, when you learn a new word you can write it in. This will help you to remember what it means.
• Ask your friends to help you. Check with them what you are supposed to be doing
• Talk to your friends about breaktimes. See if they can help you to join in. Maybe they could explain the rules to you. Ask them to make sure you get a chance to talk.

For more information go to: Talking Point

Written by Rachel Harrison, speech and language therapist, on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services.