Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to or understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. Every child with SLCN is different; they may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.

Communication and interaction does not have to involve the use of language and speech. Many children with difficulties in this area are delayed in using language and shy away from using speech; so other methods of communication need to be established before speech and language will follow, for example, physical gesturing, facial expression and body language.

Communication and interaction needs also include autism. Autism is often described as a ‘hidden’ disability because children and young people with it can be quite able and appear like everyone else. However, children and young people with autism will usually have noticeable differences when they are interacting with others, for example, not responding typically when they are approached or finding it difficult to start conversations and make friends.

Children and young people who have communication and interaction needs are supported in schools by their teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators. Schools may receive visits and support from the Communication and Interaction Team who work with education settings to help staff to understand the learning, emotional wellbeing and behaviour of children and young people with communication and interaction needs and to develop strategies to support them more effectively.

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