Most children develop speech, language and communication in a predictable sequence.
New skills build on skills they have already learned. Usually, we expect language and communication to develop over time and by a certain age. Yet, most children will progress at their own pace.
Please see our resources below to help your child in their speech, language and communication development.
Helping your child
- Speak clearly so that they can understand you.
- Be face to face – always be physically on their level to maintain interest and contact.
- Set some special time aside to play or talk with your child. This helps build the relationship between you and your child. When they are younger, you can play with toys and picture books. When they get older, you can talk to them about their day or about their interests.
- Don’t interrupt – stop, look and listen. It’s important not to rush in and take over when your child is speaking. Give them a chance to communicate first. Try counting to 10 – if they have not attempted the word by then, say it for them so that they can hear what it sounds like, and then move on.
What we do
Our qualified and friendly teams work with:
- children
- young people
- carers
- families
- other health, education and social care partners
We operate in many different locations across Ayrshire and Arran. This includes:
- schools
- early childhood centres
- hospitals
- clinics
- health centres
We use a tiered service model made up of three levels:
- Specialist – Working with children on a specific speech, language or communication need, for example one to one with a child.
- Targeted – Support for specific groups of people or populations – for example training, or group interventions in schools, nurseries and communities.
- Universal – For all children and young people, their families and those who work with them – for example training, providing information and communicating through social media.
Making a request for assistance
We can receive a request for assistance from any concerned individual.
This may be a:
- parent
- carer
- early years practitioner
- teacher
- health visitor
- doctor
Please contact us via our helplines or drop-in sessions below if you:
- have a concern about a child’s speech, language or communication
- are considering making a request for assistance for a child or young person
Helplines and virtual drop-ins
If you would like advice and guidance relating to a child or young person from an experienced Speech and Language Therapist, you can:
- call our helplines
- attend one of our virtual drop-ins
To book a virtual drop-in, please send a text message with:
- your name
- email address
- any other information you feel is relevant
You will then receive information on how to join.
- North Ayrshire: Helpline on Wednesdays (1pm to 4pm). Virtual drop-ins on Wednesdays. Contact number for both services is 07833 233942.
- East Ayrshire: Helpline on Mondays (9.30am to 11.30am) and Thursdays (2pm to 4pm), contact number is 07980 919654. Virtual drop-ins on Tuesdays (3pm to 6pm) and Fridays (9.30am to 12.30pm), contact number is 07812 519298.
- South Ayrshire: Helpline on Tuesdays (2pm to 4pm). Virtual drop-ins on Thursdays (1pm to 4pm). Contact number for both services is 07833 095374.
For more advice, please download the NHS Ayrshire & Arran app.