Supporting a child with speech and language needs

A child with speech, language and communication needs may understand far more than they can say — or the opposite. Knowing which matters.

Receptive versus expressive

Receptive language is understanding; expressive is producing. A child with receptive difficulties will struggle with multi-part instructions, however able they are mathematically.

Adjustments that help

• One instruction at a time, then check understanding by asking them to tell you what to do.
• Visual supports: written steps, diagrams and worked examples.
• Extra processing time — count to five silently before repeating anything.
• Do not fill the silence; a child often needs longer to answer than adults allow.

Work with the speech therapist

If your child has a therapist, ask for the strategies they use in school and pass them to the tutor. Consistency across settings is what makes progress stick.