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Speech and language therapy for children and young people

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.

Attention and listening

Play and social skills

Language (from 0 to 4 years)

Language (from 5 to 18 years)

Speech sounds

Communication friendly environments

Eating, drinking and swallowing

Stammering

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.

Your first appointment

The first appointment will act as an assessment. It usually lasts for around 30 minutes.

The speech and language therapist will ask questions about:

  • your child’s birth and history
  • your child’s development in areas like walking, play and self-help skills
  • your concerns about your child’s speech and language
  • any family history of speech and language problems

At the first appointment, the speech and language therapist may:

  • talk and play with your child
  • look at your child’s toys and pictures and ask questions about them
  • look in your child’s mouth and to make funny faces or copy sounds

At the end of the first appointment, the speech and language therapist will:

  • discuss your child’s assessment with you
  • explain the findings

The speech and language therapist will discuss a range of possible options for your child. These may include:

  • advice on how to encourage speech and language with your child
  • regular checks on your child’s speech and language development
  • therapy – either individually, or in a group in nursery, school, clinic or at home

The decision to proceed with speech and language therapy is yours. If you decide to proceed, it is likely you will be asked to support your child’s therapy at home.

Other concerns

You may have other concerns where support from a speech and language therapist might be needed. These are listed below.

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

You may also find the following resources helpful.

Cleft palate

Deafness

Selective mutism