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Difficulties - what can
go wrong?
- Most children develop speech, language and communication
without any difficulty, but some do need extra help.
- Childhood
communication difficulties often result from a number
of contributory factors. An interaction of elements
within the child and in their environment might underlie
speech, language and communication difficulties.
- Conditions
affecting wider aspects of development such as learning
difficulties or autism can give rise to communication
problems. Some children might have a specific difficulty
acquiring speech or language, with no other developmental
difficulties.
Other children might acquire a communication difficulty
at some point in their childhood, for example as the
result of
an accident or injury. Some children might just be a
bit slower than other children to develop their speech
or language – some
of these will catch up on their own, but others will
need help.
- Development of these skills might follow
a similar pattern to other children but at a slower rate;
also
the development
might occur in a different or unusual way, compared to
other children. There may or may not be delay affecting
other aspects
of development, for example walking, social skills or
play.
- Most communication difficulties arise due to factors
over which we have no control. Parents might need reassurance
that they are not to blame for their child’s communication
difficulty.
What can be affected?
Summary of the skills
and aspects of development that might be involved in
childhood communication difficulties.
What are the risk factors?
Summary of factors known
to place children at higher risk for communication
difficulties.
What to do if you're worried
Who to talk to and when
to make contact.
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