Some children find it hard to: - Understand what is said to them
- Form words and construct sentences
- Find the right words to express thoughts and feelings
- Understand rules for social interaction and conversation
These children are said to have speech, language and communication needs or SLCN. 2.7 million children in the UK struggle to communicate. In some parts of the UK, upwards of 50% of children are starting school with poor language skills. That means 2 to 3 students in every classroom. One in ten children has severe difficulties and needs long term support. This includes those children with specific language impairment (SLI). 1% of all children have the most severe and complex SLCN. These children may need a high level of interventions and support, such as that provided in I CAN’s special schools. The majority of children with communication difficulties look like other children and are just as clever, making SLCN invisible and complex. Consequentially, they often go unnoticed or are mistaken for something else, such as behavioural or hearing difficulties. If these children are not identified and supported, they can become frustrated and angry. They can misbehave in school, which in turn can lead to social exclusion and a life on the margins of society. With the right help, children with SLCN can thrive and reach their full potential.I CAN is here to ensure that no child is left out or left behind because of a difficulty speaking or understanding. Read more about SLCN and SLI on Talking Point. Find out what services I CAN has to support children with SLCN.
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