Speech, Language and Communications Difficulties

A Brief Description

Speech, Language and Communication difficulties is a term which encompasses the range of communication problems from developmental delay to acquired disorders.

In some cases there may be a medical background which affects normal development of speech, language and communication (for example, neurological damage, hearing impairment, cleft palate) or there may be severe social restrictions on the opportunities to develop language. However, in the vast majority of cases there is no specific reason for the pupil's failure to use speech and language to communicate effectively.

A small number of pupils have problems due to dyspraxia, which involves difficulties with purposeful movement and organisation and secondary language difficulties associated with reading (dyslexia). Specific therapy programmes are needed to improve speech, writing and body organisation.

Problems in any of the following areas can significantly affect a pupil's ability to communicate successfully:-

  • Motivation to communicate with others
  • Hearing problem
  • Listening and attention
  • Understanding of language
  • Knowledge of vocabulary and concepts
  • Clear speech
  • The ability to use language meaningfully with attention to grammatical structure
  • Semantics
  • Social awareness of how to use language in an appropriate manner for the context (pragmatic skills)
  • Opportunities to use language (conversational practice)

The educational and social progress a pupil can make is dependent upon the interaction of these requirements for normal speech, language and communication development. For the pupil who has speech, language and communication difficulties associate problems may occur:-

  • Language is the vehicle of learning across all areas of the curriculum so additional educational difficulties are to be expected, particularly with literacy
  • Communication difficulties impair the ability to initiate and sustain social relationships

How we support pupils' speech and language and communication at Percy Hedley

Recommended Reading

Kersner, Myra and Jannet A. Wright, Eds.,
How to Manage Communication Problems in Young Children
(London: David Fulton). ISBN: 185346869X

Fleming, Pam, Wright, Jannet A., and Carol Miller
Speech and Language Difficulties in Education: Approaches to Collaborative Practice for Teachers and Speech and Language Therapists
(London: Speechmark). 2001. ISBN: 0863883753

Webster, Alec and Christine McConnell
Children with Speech and Language Difficulties (Special Needs in Ordinary Schools)
(London: Continuum International Publishing). ISBN: 0304313785

Thompson, Gill
Supporting Communication Disorders: A Handbook for Teachers and Teaching Assistants
(London: David Fulton). ISBN: 1843120305