Speech and language needs and disabilities
SEND and speech and language needs
All you need to know about signing with your baby or toddler
We caught up with the experts to find out everything you need to know about baby signing, including how to get started at home and types of sign systems like BSL, Makaton and Signalong.
How can music therapy help with communication needs?
Music therapist Ray Travasso explains how a music therapy session can benefit children with a range of needs.
Communicating with your baby and child if they have a visual impairment
Speech and Language Therapist Alys Mathers talks about how you can support your child's speech and language development if they have a visual impairment.
Communicating with your deaf baby or child
Emma from the National Deaf Children's Society shares how to support a child's communication skills if they are deaf.
How to communicate with babies using objects, pictures and signs
Expert advice on using alternative modes of communication to help children's early language skills.
How children use their bodies, actions and gestures to communicate
SLT Alys Mathers explains how children communicate in a variety of ways - extra important if they have additional needs.
How and where parents can get help
Speech and language therapist Alys Mathers explains how to find support for your child.
Using arts and crafts to boost your child's communication skills
How creative activities can help your child communicate if they have additional needs.
Learning about your child and finding ways to communicate
Advice on how you can support your little one and help them build their communication skills.
What is Developmental Language Disorder?
What is DLD and how can you spot the signs your child has it?
What is echolalia?
Speech and Language UK's Claire Smith tells us all about echolalia, when children repeat back what you say to them.
How are clefts treated and how do they affect speech and language?
A speech and language therapist explains all about cleft palates and lips and how they affect children's speech.
Potty training children with additional needs
Almost all children can learn to be clean and dry. Children with an additional need or a disability may need more help.
Top tips for dealing with sensory overload at Christmas
Tips from families and the National Autistic Society on avoiding sensory overload during the holidays.
Meet the families - how we meet our children's needs
Parker and Leanne
Three-year-old Parker has Down's syndrome and Hirschprung's disease - we spoke to his mum Leanne about Makaton, social media and the power of positivity.
Torrian, Layla and Milo
Meet Torrian, Layla and Milo, who has a form of albinism that affects his skin, hair and eyes.
Ryan, Simone and Dantae
Meet Ryan, Simone and Dantae, who has Down syndrome and sickle cell anaemia.
Diana, Jade and Christian
Meet Diana, Jade and Christian, who has cerebral palsy and visual impairment.
David, Hannah, Ethan and Amy
Meet David, Hannah, Ethan and Amy. Ethan has Down syndrome and hearing loss.
Tanya and John
Meet Tanya and John, who has a speech delay. Tanya talks about how a 'chill out corner' has helped when he has a tantrum.
Carlie and TJ
Meet Carlie and TJ, who has autism. Carlie tells us how Makaton has helped her and TJ to communicate.
Amy and Nellie
Meet Amy and Nellie, who is partially sighted and has autism. She also has echolalia. Amy explains the family dynamic with Nellie.
Kazmin and Gracie
Meet Kazmin and Gracie, who has septo-optic dysplasia. Kazmin explains some of the ways she has found support in meeting Gracie's needs.
Meet Piper and her parents Jade and Stevie.
Meet Jade, Stevie and Piper, who has septo-optic dysplasia, a condition that affects her sight.
Meet Saajan and his parents Harps and Preetam
Meet Harps, Preetam and their sons Arjun and Saajan. Harps and Preetam discuss the ways they help Saajan with his language learning.
Meet 3-year-old Oliver and his mum Deborah
Meet Deborah and her 3 year old son Oliver, who has Down syndrome. Deborah talks about the ways she helps Oliver to play and build his communication skills.
Helping children with language needs
The Parent Manual: Every child is different
If your child has a disability or more complex needs, you might worry about how others will treat them, but you can help them in many ways.
The Parent Manual: Embracing difference
If your child has a disability or more complex needs, you might worry about others judging them on appearances. You may choose to explain their behaviours or not, you know best.
The Parent Manual: Being positive about children's needs
It might be difficult to hear your little one is born with complex needs, but every child is special and there are ways you can help them learn and develop.
鈥淢akaton is amazing and it鈥檚 so simple as well!鈥
Simone is mum to Dantae, who has Down syndrome. She chats about how learning Makaton has helped Dantae's communication.
鈥淲e act as Milo鈥檚 eyes to the world鈥
Layla is mum to Milo, who has visual impairment as a result of being born with a form of albinism.
鈥淢y advice is to never give up鈥
Diana is mum to Christian, who has cerebral palsy and a visual impairment.
鈥淭ry not to compare yourself or your child to others鈥
Hannah is mum to Ethan, who has Down syndrome. Hannah offers her advice for other parents about communicating and learning.
Rose Ayling-Ellis: "Learning to sign as a child helped me feel like I belong"
We caught up with Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis to talk about her experience learning to sign as a child.