Open Access News Mental Health News Navigating the intersection of mental health and speech and language challenges July 24, 2024 image: ©KatarzynaBialasiewicz | iStock A high proportion of children and young people with mental health problems also have speech and language challenges. Jane Harris, Speech and Language UK Chief Executive, tells us about the impact and the systemic changes that could make a huge difference For at least 1.9 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feels like an impossible hurdle.
At Speech and Language UK, we work to give every child the skills they need to face the future with confidence. We design innovative tools and training for thousands of nursery assistants and teachers to use in their classrooms. We give families the confidence and skills to help their children, and we run two special schools .
We also put pressure on politicians to prioritise help for speech and language challenges. We know that children and young people who are struggling with talking and understanding words, especially when their needs are unrecognised and unmet, are far more likely to face difficulties with their mental health. As many as 81% of children with emotional or behavioural disorders have significant speech and language challenges, often unidentified.
We also know that 45% of young people referred to mental health services have difficulties with language skills. A child or young person with speech and language challenges may face an.