What Is Speech and Language Therapy for Children? A UK Parent's Guide (2026)

What Is Speech and Language Therapy?

Speech and language therapy is a healthcare profession that supports children (and adults) with communication and swallowing difficulties. When people hear "speech therapy," they often think it is just about pronunciation — but it covers far more than that.

A speech and language therapist (SLT) works with children who have difficulties in any of these areas:

• Speech sounds — difficulty saying certain sounds clearly, making it hard for others to understand them (sometimes called articulation or phonological difficulties)
• Expressive language — difficulty putting words and sentences together, finding the right words, or telling stories and explaining things
• Receptive language — difficulty understanding what others say, following instructions, or processing spoken language
• Social communication — difficulty using language in social situations, understanding tone of voice, taking turns in conversation, or reading non-verbal cues (this is common for autistic children)
• Fluency — stammering or stuttering
• Voice — problems with voice quality, pitch, or volume
• Eating and drinking — some SLTs also specialise in feeding and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Speech and language therapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and are usually members of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). They hold a degree or postgraduate qualification in speech and language therapy.

When Might Your Child Need Speech and Language Therapy?

Every child develops at their own pace, and there is a wide range of "normal." But there are some signs that it might be worth seeking advice. Trust your instincts — you know your child best, and if something feels off, it is always better to ask early rather than wait.

Signs to look for at different ages

Under 2 years:

• Not babbling by 12 months
• Not responding to their name
• Not pointing or gesturing to communicate
• Not using any single words by 18 months
• Difficulty understanding simple instructions like "give me the cup"

2 to 3 years:

• Not putting two words together by age 2 (e.g. "more milk," "daddy go")
• Speech that is very difficult for family members to understand
• Frustration when trying to communicate
• Not following simple two-part instructions
• Limited vocabulary compared to peers

3 to 5 years:

• People outside the family struggling to understand their speech
• Difficulty forming sentences or telling you about their day
• Struggling to answer questions or follow conversations
• Stammering that lasts more than a few weeks
• Difficulty playing with other children because of communication

School age (5+):

• Difficulty understanding or following instructions in class
• Struggling with reading and writing (language difficulties often affect literacy)
• Finding it hard to make and keep friends because of communication differences
• Difficulty explaining ideas or telling stories in the right order
• Word-finding difficulties — you might notice lots of "um" and "thing" and "you know"

What Does a Speech and Language Therapist Actually Do?

If you have never been to a speech therapy session, it can feel like a bit of a mystery. Here is what typically happens.

The initial assessment

The first appointment is usually an assessment. The therapist will want to understand your child's communication in detail. This typically involves:

• Talking to you about your child's history — when they started talking, any concerns, what communication is like at home
• Observing your child — how they play, interact, and communicate
• Using formal assessments — standardised tests to measure aspects like vocabulary, understanding, and speech sounds
• Checking how your child uses language socially — eye contact, turn-taking, conversation skills

For younger children, much of the assessment is play-based. The therapist might get down on the floor with toys and games — it is designed to feel natural and comfortable, not like an exam.

After the assessment, the therapist will explain their findings and discuss whether therapy is recommended. If your child is being assessed privately, you will usually receive a written report.

What therapy sessions look like

Therapy sessions vary depending on your child's age and needs, but here is what you might expect:

• Sessions are usually 30 to 60 minutes long
• They are often play-based — especially for younger children. The therapist uses games, toys, books, and activities to work on specific goals
• Parents are usually involved — many therapists want you in the room so you can learn the strategies and practise them at home. This is a good thing. The work you do between sessions often matters more than the sessions themselves
• Older children may do more structured activities, including conversation practice, narrative work, or vocabulary exercises
• The therapist will set clear goals — for example, "use two-word phrases in play" or "produce the 's' sound at the start of words"

The role of home practice

One of the most important things to understand about speech and language therapy is that the real work happens between sessions. A therapist might see your child for 30 minutes a week — but you are with them for the other 167.5 hours. The strategies and activities your therapist gives you to practise at home are essential. This is not about drilling your child; it is about weaving communication-rich moments into everyday life.

How Long Does Therapy Last?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask, and there is no single answer. It depends entirely on your child's needs.

• Straightforward speech sound difficulties — many children make good progress within 6 to 12 weeks of regular therapy, sometimes less
• Language delay — this often takes longer, typically 3 to 12 months of regular input, though some children need ongoing support
• Developmental language disorder (DLD) — this is a lifelong condition, and children may need therapy on and off throughout childhood, with strategies adapted as they grow
• Autistic children — social communication therapy may be needed over a longer period, often focusing on practical skills and strategies rather than "fixing" anything
• Complex needs — children with multiple difficulties may benefit from therapy throughout their school years, sometimes as part of an EHCP

A good therapist will review progress regularly and adjust the plan. They should also be honest with you about what therapy can achieve and when it is time to step back or change approach.

NHS vs Private Speech and Language Therapy

In the UK, you can access speech and language therapy through the NHS or privately. Both have pros and cons.

NHS speech and language therapy

• It is free — no cost to families
• Referral routes — you can usually self-refer, or get a referral from your GP, health visitor, or school SENCO
• Waiting times are often long — 6 to 18 months in many areas, sometimes longer. In Kent, waits of 12 months or more are not uncommon for community SALT services
• Sessions may be less frequent — some NHS services offer blocks of 6 sessions, then review. Others provide a consultation model where the therapist advises school staff rather than seeing the child directly
• Therapists may have large caseloads — meaning less individual attention

Private speech and language therapy

• No waiting list — you can usually get an appointment within days or weeks
• More frequent sessions — you choose how often
• Flexibility — sessions can be at the therapist's clinic, at your home, at school, or online
• Continuity — you typically see the same therapist each time
• Written reports — private therapists provide detailed reports which are invaluable for EHCP applications and tribunal evidence
• Cost — typically £60 to £120 per session, with initial assessments costing £150 to £350

Can you use both?

Yes. Many families access NHS SALT while also using a private therapist — perhaps to get more frequent sessions or to get a private report for an EHCP application. There is nothing wrong with this, and a good private therapist will liaise with NHS services and school.

How to Find a Speech and Language Therapist

For NHS services

• Ask your GP or health visitor for a referral
• Ask your child's school SENCO — they can often refer directly
• In many areas, you can self-refer by contacting the local children's speech and language therapy service directly
• In Kent, community SALT services are provided through Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

For private therapists

• SENDPath Kent SALT Directory — our curated list of speech and language therapists working in Kent
• RCSLT Find a Therapist — the Royal College's official directory
• ASLTIP — the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice

What to look for in a private therapist

• HCPC registration — this is a legal requirement. Check the HCPC register online
• RCSLT membership — not compulsory but shows commitment to professional standards
• Experience with your child's needs — ask about their experience with your child's specific difficulty (e.g. autism, stammering, language delay)
• DBS checked — essential for anyone working with children
• Insurance — professional indemnity insurance
• A good rapport with your child — this matters enormously. If your child does not feel comfortable, therapy will not work as well

Speech and Language Therapy and EHCPs

If your child has significant speech, language, and communication needs, they may need speech and language therapy to be written into an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is important because:

• When SALT is in Section F of an EHCP (educational provision), the local authority has a legal duty to provide it
• The provision must be specific and quantified — for example, "45 minutes of direct 1:1 speech and language therapy per week, delivered by a qualified HCPC-registered speech and language therapist"
• Vague wording like "access to SALT as needed" is not good enough and you should challenge it

A private SALT report can be powerful evidence for an EHCP application. It provides an independent assessment of your child's needs and clear recommendations for provision. If you end up at a SEND Tribunal, 99% of parents who go to a hearing win (MOJ 2024/25 figures) — and professional evidence is a big part of why.

Speech and Language Therapy for Autistic Children

Autistic children often benefit from speech and language therapy, though the focus may be different from therapy for non-autistic children. For autistic children, SALT often focuses on:

• Social communication — understanding social rules, reading body language and tone of voice, and navigating conversations
• Pragmatic language — using language appropriately in different situations
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) — for children who are non-speaking or have limited spoken language, this might include picture exchange systems (PECS), communication boards, or speech-generating devices
• Understanding figurative language — idioms, sarcasm, and non-literal language can be challenging for autistic children

A good therapist will respect your child's communication style rather than trying to make them communicate in a neurotypical way. The goal is to help your child communicate effectively and be understood — not to change who they are.

DLA and Funding for Speech Therapy

If your child has significant communication difficulties, they may qualify for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which can help cover the cost of private therapy. The 2026-27 DLA rates are:

• Care component: lowest rate £30.30/week, middle rate £76.70/week, highest rate £114.60/week
• Mobility component: lower rate £30.30/week, higher rate £80.00/week

If you receive DLA at the middle or highest care rate, you may also be able to claim Carer's Allowance (£86.45/week, with an earnings limit of £204/week for 2026-27).

Some charities also offer grants to help with the cost of private therapy — it is worth checking with local and national SEND charities.

What Is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

You might hear the term Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) — previously known as Specific Language Impairment (SLI). DLD is a condition where a child has persistent difficulties with understanding or using language that are not explained by another condition. It affects around 2 children in every classroom and is one of the most common childhood conditions, yet many parents have never heard of it.

Children with DLD benefit significantly from speech and language therapy. If your child has been identified with DLD, long-term support and strategies — both from a therapist and at school — are important.

Questions to Ask a Speech and Language Therapist

Whether you are considering NHS or private therapy, here are some helpful questions to ask:

• What experience do you have with children who have similar needs to my child?
• What will therapy sessions look like?
• How often would you recommend sessions?
• What can I do at home to support my child's progress?
• How will you measure progress?
• Can you provide a written report? (especially important for EHCP evidence)
• Are you HCPC registered and RCSLT member?
• Do you liaise with schools and other professionals?
• What are your fees, and do you offer block booking discounts?

Key Takeaways

Useful Resources

• Find a Speech and Language Therapist in Kent — our curated Kent directory
• EHCP Application Guide for Kent — step-by-step guide to applying for an EHCP
• First 100 Days After an Autism Diagnosis — practical next steps for families
• NHS vs Private Autism Assessment in Kent
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• I CAN — children's communication charity
• Talking Point — communication information for parents
• Kent SENDIASS — free, impartial advice for Kent families