Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Teenagers

This session offers a great opportunity for parents and carers to learn more about speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in teenagers. Many people associate speech and language therapy with younger children or difficulties with pronunciation, but for teens the remit is much wider.

We’ll explore the communication challenges young people may experience as they navigate secondary school, friendships, and increasing independence — and how parents and carers can support them.

Our discussion will look at the broad range of communication skills that speech and language therapists support in teenagers.

You’ll also learn what to look out for, for example:

• difficulty following conversations or instructions
• avoiding tasks that require talking or listening
• withdrawing from social interactions
• appearing overwhelmed in busy or unpredictable settings
• relying on others to speak for them
• anxiety around presentations, group work or phone calls
• misunderstandings that lead to conflict or frustration

This session is for any parent or carer who wants to better understand their teenager’s communication. Your child does not need a diagnosis or confirmed speech and language need for you to attend. Many families come because they’ve noticed something they’re unsure about, or they want to understand communication differences better.

By the end of the session, you will:

• have a clearer understanding of how speech and language therapy supports teenagers
• recognise common communication barriers and how they might present
• gain practical strategies you can use in everyday life
• feel more confident in supporting your child — whether your focus is helping them communicate more comfortably, feel understood, or simply get through challenging parts of the day

Helen Burgess is a fully qualified and Speech and Language Therapist, with professional experience in supporting teenagers with speech, language and communication needs.

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Host or Publisher Speech and Language Therapist: APST