People who can help me with identified concerns around my child / young person's understanding, talking or communication

NHS Services and support for parents

NHS website with details for how to find a GP, Health Visitor and child health clinics in your area

Verbal Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia Foundation provides information and advice for families and professionals supporting children with verbal dyspraxia.

Cost: Free

Enquiry Line

The Speech and Language UK Enquiry Service gives you a chance to discuss questions or concerns about your child’s speech, language and communication development with one of Speech and Language UK’s speech and language therapists.  The therapists can give helpful information about children’s talking and communication development as well as tips on improving these skills. They can also offer advice on ages and stages and what can be done to help your child get the right support.

Cost: Free

Afasic Parent Helpline

If you worried about your child / young person's speech, language and communication, contact Afasic by telephone or email to speak to someone who can help. 

Cost: Free

Signalong

Signalong provides training and resources to assist those with communication difficulties and English as an additional language.

Signalong is a key word sign-supported communication system based on British sign language and is used in spoken word order. It uses speech, sign, body language, facial expression and voice tone to reference the link between sign and word.

Cost: Free & £

ASLTIP

The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP) provides information and a contact point for members of the public searching for an Independent Speech and Language Therapist. It also provides members with access to a UK network of SLTs and ongoing professional support.

Cost: £

Family Information Service

Your local Family Information Service (FIS) provides a range of information on all services available to parents, including parents of disabled children. 

Cost: Free

Communication Boards

Birmingham Community Healthcare Speech and Language Therapists have produced this video to show you how to use communication boards through play and everyday activities to supporting understanding and as a way to allow a child to communicate with you.

Cost: Free

National Autistic Society Helpline

The Autism Helpline enquiry service provides impartial, confidential information along with advice for autistic people, their families, friends and carers.

Cost: Free

Engage with Developmental Language Disorder

Engage with Developmental Language Disorder (E-DLD) connects people affected by DLD to academic research.  E-DLD keep families and individuals updated on research findings; current research projects; DLD-related activities.  They also host events, allowing members to meet and share experiences. E-DLD supports researchers and other professionals working to improve outcomes for people with DLD. 

Stamma

The British Stammering Association, now known as Stamma since 2019, is a national organisation for children who stammer - here you will find information, advice and support.  You can also contact Stamma using their helpline; webchat or email facility.  They are available to answer your questions, listen and help you find information.

Cost: Free

Action for Stammering Helpline

Action for Stammering Children (ASC) is a UK charity which aims for a society where children and young people who stammer have the same opportunities and quality of life as their peers. Their goal is to ensure that every child and young person across the UK who stammers has access to effective services and support to help them meet the challenges they face.  Call their helpline to speak to a professional who will be able to answer your questions.

Cost: Free