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SLCN and Mental Health

Jan Downs • Jul 07, 2021

Is a young person's Mental Health impacted by SLCN?

Most of us can say that we have found this year mentally tough one way or another. The significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions on the learning of children has lead to teachers stating that their pupils have fallen behind in their curriculum learning. The learning gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has therefore widened. Not only have children missed out on a lot of learning but they have also lost many opportunities for social interactions, impacting on connections with friends and family. 



No longer do the normal routines of playdates, birthday parties, or hanging out together take place but now our young people are living in a socially distant world. Extra curricular activities such as swimming lessons and music lessons have been put on hold and so many activities that children find pleasure in have been taken away, having a knock-on effect on their mental health.



Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs find it so much more difficult to identify the difficulties that they are experiencing, so that they can share them with professionals.
There are many fantastic psychological interventions being successfully used to treat mental health issues such as cognitive behavioural therapies, but these require a good understanding and grasp of language. These therapies are not much value to children and young people with SLCN if they are unable to adequately give their opinions or discuss their emotions.

Children and young people with SLCN find it more difficult to build and maintain friendships with peers which in turn causes them to become socially isolated and this has a huge impact on their mental health and self-esteem.
Not having the ability to discuss and talk through these negative feelings can create a snowball effect which can become more serious as they get older, having a significant effect on mental health.

It is important to meet the young person where they are. Counselling is not always two people sitting opposite each other in chairs and talking, it is often very child-led and is play-based. 

Young people often indicate that it's quite hard to just ‘be yourself’. There is a fear of being judged. With low self-esteem, being asked to ‘be yourself’ brings a whole host of worries and anxieties to the young person. 
It is essential to get across to young people that once you do know your strengths, qualities and attributes, what makes you different and unique, then when things become difficult they can begin to use their skills and qualities to overcome and cope with challenges that arise.

#ThinkLanguage #ThinkDLD

by Jan Downs • 15 Oct, 2021
Developmental Language Disorder is a diagnosis given when a person has difficulties with talking and /or understanding language. It can be missed, misdiagnosed or misinterpreted as poor behaviour, inattention or poor listening. It affects approximately two children in every classroom, impacting on literacy , learning, friendships and emotional well-being. Although this disorder is hidden, today across the world professionals, parents and families are shining a light and raising awareness to enable young people and adults to thrive in their social, emotional and academic lives. These professionals can make all the difference. People with DLD are no different to any other person but it is crucial to identify DLD so that people do not become isolated, or vulnerable to bullying. Communication is the foundation of human connection and this should not be restricted, limited or restrained. Keep an eye on @communicatetolearn on twitter to follow updates from across the world. Useful links www.radld.org www.communicatetolearn.org.uk www.ican.org.uk

Transition for children with SLCN

by Jan Downs • 09 Jul, 2021
The impact on Secondary schools In order to support young people with SLCN as they transition to secondary schools, there needs to be a raised awareness and improved understanding of SLCN amongst all staff. Schools should consider the impact of SLCN on the young person, particularly around the transition process. It works well to provide a communication friendly plan based around transition to support the young person. Schools also need to ensure a positive transition for those young people with unidentified SLCN or hidden needs and have the confidence to know what to look for to identify them.
#DLDseeme campaign

TOP FIVE FAQs ABOUT DLD

by Jan Downs • 14 Oct, 2020
What is DLD? DLD is Developmental Language Disorder, and it affects 2 young people in every classroom. We are answering the top five FAQs about DLD to raise awareness of this little known disorder, which affects so many.
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