People with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulties in communicating with others.

This may be because:

• They are unable to say what they want to 
• They have difficulty understanding what is being said to them
• They do not understand social rules

For some this may be minor and temporary whilst for others their needs will be complex and long-term.

SLCN can occur due to a number of different factors. For example, some people may have a specific difficulty with language only, without any general learning difficulties or physical or sensory impairments. This is often referred to as ‘specific language impairment’.