Sometimes, a young person might reach early adulthood before they or someone close to them realises they have speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN). They might have used strategies to hide or cope with these challenges for many years.
Would you know what to look out for?
Here are a few signs:
They may find it difficult to follow conversations, especially in groups.
Starting conversations might be a struggle due to difficulty finding the right words or social anxiety.
They may take longer to process information or require information to be repeated.
Misunderstanding others, especially when complicated language like idioms or double meanings is used.
Struggling to express themselves clearly, resulting in disorganised or muddled speech.
Where to go for help and Assessment:
A speech and language therapist can assess a young person and help identify the root of their difficulties.
The assessment process can be initiated in different ways:
A young person themselves may request an assessment.
A parent, caregiver, or friend might help them realize they need support.
The local speech and language therapy service can be contacted directly, or the GP can provide details.
In cases where local services are unavailable, private speech and language therapy assessments might be an option.
Planning for the Future:
A young person with SLCN has various options to consider for their future. Here are some points to think about:
Explore person-centred planning (PCP) to help them set goals and increase independence.
Investigate college and work options based on their skills and interests.
Collaborate with schools, colleges, and practitioners to determine realistic expectations and options.
Seek advice from everyone who provides support for them to understand strengths and challenges.
Prepare for interviews and job searches.
Consider volunteering to build skills and experience for their CV.
Check local authority websites for post-school opportunities.
Developing Independence in Everyday Life:
Encouraging independence is crucial for young people with SLCN.
Here are some ideas:
Engage trusted adults to help establish independence.
Provide opportunities for supervised independence.
Encourage checklist use to prevent forgetting essentials.
Help them practice managing money in real-life situations.
Social Activities:
Social engagement is essential for young people with SLCN:
Look for youth projects or groups experienced in supporting SLCN.
Empower young people to manage their own information from colleges and youth services.
Develop self-awareness about managing social activities.
Provide skills for making plans and staying safe.
Teach them to manage compromise and frustration through role-playing.
Reflecting on your role as a parent or carer:
As a parent, letting go can be challenging, especially if your child has SLCN:
Present all available options and discuss pros and cons.
Respect their choices and independence.
Listen actively to understand their preferences.
Be aware that they may reach emotional maturity stages later than their peers.
Seek support from family members or trusted adults.
Understand their rights regarding support.
Remember, supporting a young person with SLCN is a journey that involves patience, understanding, and a commitment to helping them thrive.
Our local family networks provide parents and carers a space to discuss with others their feelings, thought and emotions.
Our HELPLINE can guide you to resources, learning and training to make sure you know what you need to know.
Good parents are effective and knowledgeable ones – contact us today!
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