Communication problems associated with learning difficulties
'Learning difficulties' is the term used by the education and health services to highlight when children require additional support to help them develop and learn. Sometimes the terms "global" or "developmental delay" may be used to indicate that a child's progress is slower than might generally be expected. The terms 'mild', 'moderate' and 'severe' may also be used to indicate the degree of difficulty the child has.
Many children with learning disability experience some difficulty with communication skills. A Speech and Language Therapist may work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and can advise parents and education staff on both feeding and communication development. Alternative methods of communication may sometimes be required.
For further information go to:
Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties
Electronic Communication Aids, signing and symbols
Some children with learning disability have an identifiable syndrome which means that a number of medical and physical symptoms occur together.
There are many syndromes which are associated with speech language and communication difficulties - these are the most commonly occurring ones:
- Down Syndrome
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Fragile-X Syndrome.
If you are concerned that your child may have communication problems associated with learning difficulties talk to your health visitor or GP for advice.
If you are still concerned you can find out how to refer your child by going How to refer a child to the Speech and Language Therapy Service.