Speech, language and communication
In this section
This Pathway helps children and young people in Devon (excluding Plymouth) with difficulties regarding their speech, language and communication related to:
- Speech sound development
- Language development
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Social communication and interaction
- Dysfluency (stammering)
- Cleft lip and palate
- Voice
- Selective/situational mutism
- D/deafness, loss of hearing and multisensory impairment
CFHD specialists you might receive care from in this Pathway:
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Speech and Language Therapy Assistants
Advice line: If you would like to talk to a Speech & Language Therapist to discuss your child / a child you work with please call our advice line 0333 321 9448 which is open Tuesday and Thursday between 2pm – 4.30pm, and aims to provide general support and advice.
PLEASE NOTE: The advice line will not be running on Thursday ( 27th March).
Children and Family Health Devon’s Speech and Language Therapy Service virtual drop-in session for parent and professionals.
WHAT?
A virtual drop-in for parents of children 3 and under and professionals who are concerned about their speech, language, and communication development.
This will be delivered via the ‘Attend Anywhere’ platform.
The Speech and Language Therapist will spend up to 10 minutes listening to the parents’ / professional’s concerns, asking questions and observing how the child and parent(s) communicate and interact.
Speech, language and communication (SLC) opt in forms
Following discharge, some young people will be given the option to refer back into (opt-in) the Speech, Language and Communication (SLC) team – you will have been informed of this in the discharge letter. The period of time that you an take advantage of this opt- in opportunity will be outlined for you by the discharging clinician
The Balanced System
To help meet the needs of the children and young people of Devon, we are using a framework called The Balanced System®. This system is designed to make sure that everyone, including children and young people along with their support networks, including parents and carers and health and education professionals, have the right support, at the right time to develop and improve speech, language and communication skills.
Find out more:
Speech development series:
These videos are for anyone looking to support children and their early speech sound development.
It will work on listening skills and phonological awareness (awareness of different sounds).
You may have been directed to these videos by a speech and language therepist.
Developing these skills is an important first step before working directly on specific sounds.
We therefore recommend you complete this series of videos as a first step before considering a referral to speech and language therapy.
Language Development series:
These videos are for anyone looking to support children with their early language development. Regardless of age, this series if for children who are just starting to use words or are mainly using single words to communicate. They must be able to share joint attention to access this series.
It will work on use and understanding of one to two keys words as well as supporting attention and listening skills.
You may have been directed to these videos by a speech and language therapist.
We recommend you complete this series of videos as a first step before considering a referral to speech and language therapy.
Speech, language and communication: Training:
Early communication how to videos:
Speech, language and communication drop in sessions:
Read our Speech, language and communication frequently asked questions (FAQs):
More Devon resources: