Communication and interaction

These children and young people need help to develop their linguistic competence to support their thinking and their communication skills. Linguistic competence refers to the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary that allows a person to use and understand a language. 

Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or a physical or sensory impairment like hearing loss may also lead to communication difficulties.

Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) find it more difficult to communicate with others.

They may:

• struggle with taking part in conversations because they find it difficult to understand what others say or because they find it difficult to speak fluently and form sounds, words and sentences
• hear or see a word but are not able to understand it's meaning which may lead to words being used incorrectly or out of context (this may also lead to a child or young person having a small vocabulary) 

For some children and young people these difficulties may show when the language they need to understand, and use becomes harder.  

Children and young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including Asperger's Syndrome and Autism, have difficulty in making sense of the world in the way others do. They may have difficulties with communication, social interaction and imagination.  

They may:

• become easily distracted or upset by certain stimuli
• have problems with change to familiar routines
• have difficulties with their coordination and fine motor functions

Visit the Stockton Information Directory for services related to communication and interaction