Parent and toddler playing with colourful wooden blocks on a living room rug You sit down with your toddler, pick up a toy and ask: “What’s this?”“What colour is it?”“Can you say car?” You’re trying to help. But before long, playtime can start to feel like a little quiz—and your child may move on without saying much at all. You don’t need a cupboard full of specialist toys to support your toddler’s communication. The cars, blocks, teddies and balls you already have offer plen

You may be wondering whether you need specialist toys, expensive apps or prepared worksheets to support your child’s communication at home. The reassuring answer is no. Some of the best opportunities for developing speech, language and communication happen during ordinary activities such as getting dressed, preparing food, sharing a book or going for a walk. What matters most is not the activity itself, but how you join your child, respond to their communication and make spac

A mother interacting with her 2 children whilst playing If you’ve found yourself wondering… “Should my child be talking more by now?”“Am I worrying too much?”“Should I wait… or get support?” You’re not alone. Speech and language development can feel confusing — especially when every child seems to be doing something different. This guide will help you understand what’s typical, what to look out for, and when it might be helpful to seek support — all in a calm, non-alarmist wa

If you're looking for simple, effective ways to support your child’s speech and language development, books are one of the most powerful tools you can use 📚 Whether your child is a late talker, autistic, or just starting to develop their language, the right books — used in the right way — can make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll explore: The best types of books for speech development How to use books to encourage communication Recommended books for different stages

Schools today are increasingly recognising what research has shown for years: children learn best when their unique ways of thinking, communicating and processing the world are understood and respected. A neuro-affirming classroom is not a trend or a niche approach. It is a way of creating learning environments that value neurological differences as a natural part of human diversity, rather than something to correct. This blog explains what neuro-affirming practice looks like

image of a mum interacting with her child in a supportive manner When a toddler isn’t yet talking, many families are told to “wait and see.” “It’s probably just a phase.” “Boys talk later.” “They’ll catch up eventually.” But as paediatric speech and language therapists—and as parents who deeply care—we know early connection matters. What a child experiences in their early years lays the foundation not just for language, but for confidence, identity, and relationships. In this

A model that prioritizes intentionality, connection, understanding, expression, and co-regulation, while emphasizing responsiveness over...

When we think about speech and language development, we often imagine children learning new words, forming sentences, or practising sounds. But for many neurodivergent children, especially those with sensory processing differences (common in autism, ADHD, and developmental delays), there’s a critical piece that must come first: sensory regulation. In this blog post, we’ll explore how sensory integration plays a powerful role in helping children communicate, and how parents an

Information taken from a podcast by Dr Karen Dudek-Brannan at SLP Now Basic Goal Structure The basic syntax of a goal is: "Student will do X with Y" X = observable behavior (what you can physically see the student doing) Y = level of accuracy or measurement Key Principles for Writing Effective EHCP Goals 1. Focus on Observable Behaviors Avoid vague terms like "comprehend" or "understand" Instead use observable actions like: "Define and describe words with 2-3 attributes" "Say

As parents, we all want to hear our little ones say their first words and start chatting away. But for some toddlers, words take a little...

If you’re like most people, your smartphone is probably within arm’s reach right now. These little devices have revolutionized how we...

Echolalia—when someone repeats words or phrases—has long been misunderstood as a behavior to correct or a “phase to overcome.” But for many autistic individuals, echolalia is more than simple repetition. It’s a natural and meaningful part of their communication journey. When we view echolalia as a tool rather than a challenge, we unlock opportunities for deeper connection, learning, and growth. Why Echolalia Deserves Recognition Echolalia is often dismissed as “non-functional

As speech and language therapists, our work often involves more than just supporting our clients; it requires building strong, empathetic...

Bonfire Night is filled with sensory excitement – the bright lights, loud bangs, and cozy fires offer endless opportunities for young...

Prices and availability were checked in September 2026 but may change. Please check the UK App Store or Google Play before purchasing. Can an app replace speech and language therapy? Speech and language apps can provide useful opportunities for practice, but they cannot assess why a child is having difficulty or create an individualised therapy plan. Children usually learn communication best through responsive interaction with other people. Apps are therefore most helpful whe

As the new school year begins, it’s an exciting time filled with fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and making new friends. For...

Taking your little one for a ride in the car can be more than just getting from A to point B. It’s a brillaint opportunity to support...

n the journey of a child's early development, few things are as crucial as the ability to pay attention and listen. These skills form the foundation for effective communication, social interaction, and learning. Let's dive into why attention and listening skills are so vital for preschoolers' speech and language development. Building Blocks of Communication 🧱 Attention and listening are the cornerstones of language acquisition. When children focus on what is being said and l

In the bustling world of childhood, play stands as a vibrant cornerstone—an arena where imaginations soar, friendships flourish, and the...

Language development is a multifaceted journey, marked by a myriad of milestones and challenges. Within the spectrum of human diversity, individuals with Autism offer a unique lens through which to explore this intricate process. Autism is characterized by differences in social communication and behavior, profoundly influencing how language unfolds in affected individuals. Understanding language development in Autism requires a nuanced examination that considers both the dist