Speech Language and Communication Needs
Introduction
Communication is a two way process which allows us to express our thoughts and feelings to others, while allowing us in turn to understand what others are trying to convey to us. Communication involves speech and language (verbal) as well as facial expression, gesture and body language (non-verbal). Communication is an essential life skill for children and young people and it underpins their social, emotional and educational development. (Bercow 2008)
To communicate effectively we must understand and ‘apply’ the ‘rules’ of the structure used in language and be able to vocalise this through speech. We must also hear and understand the speech of others through our ability to listen and to interpret body language and facial expression.
Developing and building upon these skills will enable children and young people to interact and relate to others and the world around them.
However, if a child or young person has a difficulty in any of these areas - Speech, Language or Communication - then this need must be addressed otherwise it may impact on their behavioural, emotional and social development.
“In general, children with developmental language difficulties are at greater risk than typically developing children of having behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.” (Better Communication Research Programme 2010)
Therefore this presentation seeks to highlight the correlation between the Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) of children and young people and how it has a bearing on their behavioural, emotional and social development as well.
SECTION TWO
Children and young people’s behaviour can be used as a way of communicating to others and the world around them. Behaviour, Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD) can manifest themselves in a range of ways.
Some of these are characterised by the following: - Physical/ Verbal aggression - Anxiety/ Depression - Withdrawn/ Isolated - Hyperactive/ Lacking
Communication is a two way process which allows us to express our thoughts and feelings to others, while allowing us in turn to understand what others are trying to convey to us. Communication involves speech and language (verbal) as well as facial expression, gesture and body language (non-verbal). Communication is an essential life skill for children and young people and it underpins their social, emotional and educational development. (Bercow 2008)
To communicate effectively we must understand and ‘apply’ the ‘rules’ of the structure used in language and be able to vocalise this through speech. We must also hear and understand the speech of others through our ability to listen and to interpret body language and facial expression.
Developing and building upon these skills will enable children and young people to interact and relate to others and the world around them.
However, if a child or young person has a difficulty in any of these areas - Speech, Language or Communication - then this need must be addressed otherwise it may impact on their behavioural, emotional and social development.
“In general, children with developmental language difficulties are at greater risk than typically developing children of having behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.” (Better Communication Research Programme 2010)
Therefore this presentation seeks to highlight the correlation between the Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) of children and young people and how it has a bearing on their behavioural, emotional and social development as well.
SECTION TWO
Children and young people’s behaviour can be used as a way of communicating to others and the world around them. Behaviour, Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD) can manifest themselves in a range of ways.
Some of these are characterised by the following: - Physical/ Verbal aggression - Anxiety/ Depression - Withdrawn/ Isolated - Hyperactive/ Lacking