Communication Exchange - Independent Speech & Language Therapy

05/05/2026

Language development isn’t just about sounds, words, grammar and morphology.

It’s about the system behind it.

If a child isn’t noticing, holding onto, or processing language…

they’re not getting the input they need to learn it.

This is what executive function does.

It makes language learning possible.

19/02/2026

The issue is whether a young person’s speech, language, communication needs are understood and effectively supported. Needs led not employer led. It’s about building capacity for the young people and it’s about schools and parents being able to have choices around who is in the best position to deliver that effective and consistent support.

An article published in The Scotsman today highlights a growing issue across the UK: independent Speech and Language Therapists are being refused access to some education settings, and it is children who are affected.

We are now seeing reports of this across parts of England, Wales and Scotland.

In many cases, this is not because alternative provision is in place that meets the child’s needs, such as NHS services or school-commissioned therapy. Instead, decisions appear to relate to blanket policies based on employment setting.

All Speech and Language Therapists in the UK are registered with the HCPC and meet the same regulatory and professional standards, regardless of where they are employed. Professional standards do not vary by setting.

The focus must remain on ensuring that children can access the support they need from appropriately qualified professionals.

ASLTIP is engaging at national level to understand the drivers behind these policies and to address the issue constructively with education and policy stakeholders.

If this has affected your practice or your child, we would welcome hearing from you.

https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/how-autistic-children-are-being-let-down-by-inexplicable-ban-on-private-therapists-in-schools-5602553

20/10/2025

Another great resource with helpful websites

20/10/2025

Friday 17th October is International Day!

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a hidden but common lifelong disability that affects 1 in 14 people. It causes difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason — and because you can’t see DLD, its impact is often overlooked in classrooms, workplaces, communities, and even within families.

The 2025 DLD Day theme, "You Can’t See DLD", calls on everyone to speak up for the invisible needs of people with DLD — especially in schools and workplaces, where spoken language is central to participation and success.

DLD often leads to reduced access to education, challenges with employment, and social isolation. Despite being a relatively unknown condition, its hidden nature can have very visible consequences. People with DLD are six times more likely to experience anxiety and three times more likely to experience clinical depression. They are also at greater risk of difficulties with reading, writing, and maths — all of which affect educational outcomes and lifelong opportunities.

20/10/2025

Another great resource

📕 A super useful FREE resource 📗

https://radld.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DLD-A-guide-for-parents-and-families-2.pdf

17/10/2025

Useful bubble diagram detailing the different ways can present for individuals



day

Our popular 'DLD bubble' which explains DLD visually now has an interactive version.
Just follow the link below and you will be able to click and learn all about DLD (Developmental Language Disorder). Includes lots of strategies and resources also.
A great one for sharing too.
https://www.naplic.org.uk/resource/dld-bubble-toolkit/

17/10/2025

website is worth a look

Today is World DLD Awareness Day!

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a hidden but common lifelong disability that affects 1 in 14 people.
Our EA Language and Communication specialists are out in schools wearing purple – feel free to stop and ask them about DLD.

Every learner with DLD deserves teaching that works, visit RADLD - Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder's website for useful resources: https://ow.ly/CYq150Xb6J1

Parents and schools can visit our website for useful https://ow.ly/TtCK50Xb6J0.

17/10/2025

Today is Day

is not nearly as widely recognized as other barriers to learning, although it commonly affects 2 young people in every classroom.

Key indicators of can be difficulties learning, using and understanding spoken language.

DLD can run in families, can exist on it its own, or be associated with other

What are the signs of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)? Watch for difficulty understanding instructions, limited vocabulary, trouble telling stories, or challenges navigating conversations. These can be signs of DLD. Early support from school-based SLPs and SLPAs can make a life-changing difference. Learn more: https://at.asha.org/Oi

30/09/2025

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week, running from 29 September until 5 October, and we’re proud to support the myth-busting campaign from Dyslexia Scotland.

Dyslexia is a lifelong condition that affects how the brain processes language. It can impact reading, spelling, short-term memory, organisation, and processing speed. People of all abilities can have dyslexia.

If you or someone you know is aged 16 or over and not in full-time education, help is available through our Community Learning and Development Team.

The team supports adults, aged 16 and over, with learning differences and disabilities, including dyslexia, scotopic sensitivity, and visual stress, all of which can affect reading and writing.

Tutors are skilled at helping people improve their reading and writing, with the aim to build confidence for everyday life, work, or study. Please note that the team do not offer formal assessments.

For further information, please email CLD@pkc.gov.uk or call 01738 477092

22/09/2025