Language delay and impairment

At Manchester SLT we provide a high quality service for children with language delay and impairment. Our specialist therapists aim to maximise a child's communication to their highest potential.

What are language delay and impairment?

Language delay and impairment are conditions which cause difficulties in a child's receptive (understanding) or expressive (spoken or written) language, or a combination of both.

Language delay

Language delay is where a child will follow the normal pattern of development but will reflect a chronologically younger age.

Children with language delay will present with language which is less mature than their same age peers.

Language impairment

Language impairment is where a child's language development does not fit the normal pattern of development. Children with language impairment will usually have unusual language structure, semantic (meaning of language) and speech sound errors.

A common form of language impairment is known as specific language impairment, which affects a child's structure of language and use of grammar.

Language delay and impairment may affect either a child's expressive or receptive language or a combination of both.

Language delay and impairment are caused by a number of factors and commonly appear as part of a disorder e.g. Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Down syndrome. Language delay may also be due to hearing loss or impairment.

Language delay and impairment often appear in the pre-school years and may continue into the school age years. The earlier intervention is received the better the outcome will be for the child in reaching their academic achievements.

Language delay and impairment will affect a child's ability to access their learning and may impact on their academic achievement. Language delay and impairment may additionally affect the child's social and emotional development.

Manchester SLT provides a high quality service for children with language delay or impairment and can help to resolve and support any speech, language or communication difficulties experienced by the child.

What problems caused by language delay and impairment can speech and language therapy help with?

Language delay and impairment can cause a number of difficulties which can be helped by speech and language therapy, these include:

• Speech disorder - any difficulties producing speech sounds
• Expressive language difficulties - any difficulties expressing information via spoken or written communication
• Receptive language difficulties - any difficulties understanding spoken or written language
• Attention and listening problems - difficulties attending and listening to information
• Social communication difficulties - difficulties understanding or using language and non-verbal communication (eye-contact, emotions or body language) appropriately in social interaction.
• Difficulties achieving academic goals.
• Difficulties interacting with peers and adults.
• Social isolation.
• Difficulties communicating their needs effectively.

The type and severity of language difficulties experienced will vary for each individual child. Language delay and impairment will affect a child in many areas of development; therefore it is essential that early intervention is received as early as possible.

How can speech and language therapy help language delay and impairment?

Speech and language therapy is highly beneficial for children with language delay and impairment, especially when received in the pre-school years.

At Manchester SLT we provide specialist speech and language therapists, who can help to improve, develop and support any speech, language or communication difficulties experienced by the child.

The main aim of speech and language therapy for children with language delay or impairment will be to improve and develop their receptive and expressive language skills. The overall aim will be to maximise the child's communicative ability to their highest potential in their home, school and social environments.

An initial assessment will be carried out by one of our highly specialised therapists and will evaluate the child's speech, language and communication. An initial assessment will also determine the type and severity of the child's language difficulties and how their difficulties are impacting on other areas of their development.

Following an initial assessment our speech and language therapists will devise an individualised treatment plan which will be tailored to the specific needs, abilities and preferences of the child. Our therapists at Manchester SLT will provide the child, their parents and educational staff with highly motivating and fun therapy tasks which will reflect the child's age, abilities and interests.

At Manchester SLT we can offer a range of treatment options for children with language delay and impairment. The type of treatment given will vary depending on the child's needs and abilities.

Treatment options can include:

• Expressive and receptive language programmes
• Speech programmes
• Home programmes
• Advice, support and training for parents, carers, educational staff and other professionals involved in the child's care
• Pre-school communication groups
• Parent-child interaction groups
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy Our speech and language therapists work closely with the child, their family and educational staff in gaining the best possible outcome from therapy. It is essential that therapy is received as early as possible in order to ensure the best possible outcome for the child.

Speech and language therapy is highly beneficial for children with language delay and impairment and helps to support, develop and improve any speech, language or communication difficulties. Speech and language therapy has additional benefits of improved academic achievement and increased confidence and self-esteem.

How do I book an appointment for language delay and impairment?

If you feel that you or your child will benefit from our speech and language therapy services at Manchester SLT please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing info@manchesterslt.co.uk or calling 0161 883 0111.