Special educational needs and learning to talk

Around one child in five has special educational needs (SEN) at some point during their school years. Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can affect a child in many ways. They can impact a child’s:

• behaviour or ability to socialise, for example they struggle to make friends
  
• reading and writing, for example because they have dyslexia or struggle to see or hear things clearly
  
• ability to understand things
  
• concentration levels, for example because they have ADHD
  
• physical ability

Talking and listening to children from birth helps to develop good language and communication skills. This enables children to listen and express themselves. It also helps them to learn and develop good relationships.  

Our resources

The resources available on this page are ideal for sharing and discussing with parents and carers whose children may have specific needs.

It is, of course, essential to help parents understand how they can support their child, and that if their baby or child is diagnosed with special educational needs, talking to him is still vital, and it is never too early to start.

If parents/carers have concerns about their child’s eyesight, hearing or speech, language and communication development, talking to their GP or health visitor is always advisable.

More information

Access NHS information about:

• Learning disabilities
• Eye care and eye tests in children
• Hearing care and tests in chlldren

For speech, language and communication issues, check out ICAN’s resources

For further information and resources relating to SEND education, visit the NASEN site.