Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy Service

Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy provides treatment, support and care for children and young people who have difficulties with communication or eating, drinking and swallowing.

Communication difficulties can involve any of the following:

problems with producing speech sounds accurately
stammering
voice problems, such as hoarseness and loss of voice
problems understanding language (making sense of what people say)
problems using language (words and sentences)
problems with interacting with others, for example, difficulties understanding the non-verbal rules of good communication or using language in different ways to question, clarify or describe things

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) work with parents/carers, education staff and others to assess if a child has speech, language and/or communication difficulties or eating and drinking difficulties that are affecting their wellbeing.

The SLT will spend time with the child and their parents/carers to explore the child’s strengths and difficulties and the impact of any speech, language or communication difficulties on the child and their family. The family’s role in the support is very important in order to help with a child or young person’s progress.

SLTs can also offer training and advice to parents/carers, early years practitioners, pupil support assistants and teachers who have concerns about the speech, language and/or communication needs of any child.

The NHS Lothian Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy service has teams based in local hospitals and health centres across the Lothian region, and the team link closely with Health Visitors, doctors, other allied health professionals, education staff, third sector agencies, and the child’s family.

For Early Years tips and information please visit:
https://www.lets-talk.scot.nhs.uk

Parents, carers and professionals can request assistance from Speech and Language Therapy. Find out more here:
https://www.lets-talk.scot.nhs.uk/parents-families/request-for-slt-assistance

The following website provides information relating to children and young people of all ages:
Children’s services website

You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram:
www.facebook.com/NHSLothianSLT
https://www.instagram.com/nhslothian_speech_and_language

Contact Us

If you have queries or concerns about your child’s speech, language or communication, please call the helpline in your local area. You can find the current Helpline details here:
https://www.lets-talk.scot.nhs.uk/contact