The Need

As highlighted by Better Communication: Shaping Speech, language and communication services for children and young people (Gascoigne, 2012) Approximately 7- 10% of children have SLCN. More than 50% of children in socially deprived areas have language delay Increasing need from 2005-2010 with numbers of children with SLCN as a primary need increasing by 58% It is also a significant secondary need as SLCN occurs with almost every other type of special educational need The centre for social justice called communicatiuon disability ‘the number 1 public health challenge for 21st century’

As highlighted by Speech, language and communication in secondary aged children (ICAN) Some children’s SLCN only comes to light in secondary school, due to the demands by the the curriculum and social environment This evidences the need for continued SLT support at this stage

Mainstream services should aim to narrow the gap between socially disadvantaged children and their peers (Gascoigne, 2012) SLT should aim to integrate special needs services into the mainstream setting (Gascoigne, 2006) Speech therapy should be integrated within the education setting (Every Child Matters)

The Impact of no support

Language difficulties pervade all aspects of life, impacting on social and educational outcomes (Gascoigne, 2006) Children with vocabulary difficulties at age 5 were 1 and a half times more likely to have literacy difficulties or a mental health problem at age 34. They were also twice as likely to be unemployed (Gascoigne, 2012) 60% of young people in young offender institutions have communication difficulties - poor to very poor communication skills (Bercow Report) SLCN causes emotional and behavioural and difficulties problems forming social relationships in adolescence (ICAN) 88% of unemployed young men are found to have language difficulties (ICAN) Without speech therapy intervention a third of children with SLCN will need treatment for mental health difficulties in adult life (Gascoigne, 2012)

What’s Effective

There is substantial evidence that intervention including speech and language therapy can improve children’s language and communication skills. (Gascoigne, 2006) The every child a talker has been effective, showing an average 40% reduction in the proportion of children with delayed listening and attention (Gascoigne, 2006)

There is substantial evidence from the BETTER COMMUNICATION RESEARCH PROGRAMME (a Bercow initiative) that intervention including speech and language therapy can improve children’s language and communication skills.

The Cost of No Support

The impact of all of these later difficulties is a considerable cost to the nation due to increased need for additional services and loss of earnings. -for example: Direct costs of mental health in England are now around £22.5 billion a year Some youth offenders’ institutes with very basic education and training (including SLT) each cost more than £200,000 a year.

References Gascoigne, M. (2012). Better Communication- Shaping speech, language and communication services for children and young people. RCSLT: London. ICAN (2011). I CAN Talk: Speech, Language and Communication in Secondary Aged Pupils. London: ICAN. Gascoigne, M. (2006). Supporting Children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs Within Integrated Children’s Services. . RCSLT position paper. RCSLT: London. HM Government. (2003) Every Child Matters. London: TSO Bercow, J. (2008). The Bercow Report: A review of services for children and young people (0-19) with Speech, Language and Communication Needs. Nottingham: DCSF Department of Health (2004). National Service Framework for children, young people and maternity service: Core Standards. Department of Health.