top of page

When a child struggles with speech and language

  • Mable Green
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read
When a child struggles with speech and/or language, it can affect learning, friendships, behaviour and confidence. Early support is key to their success in education and life.
Early Speech Therapy is key

When a child struggles with speech and/or language, it can affect learning, friendships, behaviour and confidence. Early support is key to their success in education and life.


In September 2023, the Department of Education and NHS England funded a screening initiative to assess the needs for early years Speech therapy. The Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) programme's interim report, published in July 2023, showed a shocking level of need.


Analysis suggested that 6 in 10 children who received universal screening had speech and language needs.


As of July 2023, ELSEC had reached 17,000 children across 600 nurseries and Primary schools, delivering universal interventions; 4,600 benefited fromtargeted support.


Here are some issues that children have when speech and language is delayed


🏫 At School

📚 1. Learning & Academics

Language is the foundation of learning. If a child has difficulty understanding or using language, they may struggle with:

  • Following instructions

  • Understanding new vocabulary

  • Reading comprehension

  • Writing sentences and stories

  • Answering questions

  • Learning new concepts

Even maths can be hard — because word problems rely heavily on language.

A child might look like they’re not paying attention… when actually, they just didn’t understand what was said.


🗣️ 2. Speaking in Class

If speech sounds are unclear or the child stutters:

  • They may avoid answering questions

  • Other children may struggle to understand them

  • They may feel embarrassed or anxious about speaking

Over time, this can chip away at confidence.


👥 3. Friendships & Social Skills


Language is how children:

  • Join games

  • Negotiate rules

  • Tell jokes

  • Solve conflicts

If they can’t express themselves clearly or understand social cues, they may:

  • Be left out

  • Misunderstand others

  • Get frustrated

  • Be seen as “bossy,” “shy,” or “naughty”

Sometimes behaviour is communication in disguise.


🏠 At Home

😤 1. Frustration & Meltdowns

When a child can’t explain what they want, how they feel, or what happened at school, frustration builds fast.

This can look like:

  • Tantrums

  • Shouting

  • Withdrawing

  • Saying “I don’t know” to everything

It’s often not defiance — it’s difficulty.


💬 2. Family Relationships

Parents might notice:

  • Conversations feel one-sided

  • The child struggles to retell events

  • Homework becomes stressful

  • Siblings “speak for them”

That can affect independence and self-esteem.



Long-Term Impact (If Unsupported)

Without support, speech and language difficulties can affect:

  • Literacy

  • Academic achievement

  • Mental health

  • Confidence

  • Employment opportunities later in life

But here’s the hopeful part: Early support makes a huge difference.

Comments

bottom of page