Trusted information for families
Speech, Language and Swallowing Therapy for Children and Adults
Friendly, practical information about speech, language, feeding and swallowing — for parents of young children and for adults rebuilding communication after stroke, brain injury or illness.
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My Child Is a Late Talker
First words arriving slowly? What late talking can mean, and simple ways to help.
Speech Sounds and Apraxia
When speech is hard to understand, and how therapy can help sounds become clearer.
Recovering After a Stroke
Rebuilding words, conversation and confidence after stroke or brain injury.
Browse by subject
Explore by Topic
Plain-language guides on the conditions and questions families ask about most.
Child development
Child Speech and Language Development
First words, sentences and understanding — how communication grows.
3 guides
Speech sounds
Speech Sound Disorders and Apraxia
Clearer speech sounds and support for childhood apraxia of speech.
3 guides
Autism & ADHD
Autism, ADHD and Social Communication
Connection, conversation and communication in every form.
3 guides
Feeding
Paediatric Feeding Difficulties
Calmer mealtimes and safer eating for babies and children.
3 guides
Stroke recovery
Stroke, Brain Injury and Cognitive Communication
Thinking, memory and communication working together again.
3 guides
Motor speech
Motor Speech Disorders
Support for dysarthria and apraxia of speech in adults.
3 guides
Getting support
Getting Support Anywhere
Finding therapy and preparing for appointments, wherever you are.
3 guides
Latest Articles
New guides and answers, added regularly.
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Sensory Food Aversions Explained: Taste, Texture, Smell and Appearance
A sensory food aversion is a strong, genuine reaction against a food because of how it tastes, feels, smells or looks — not a dislike a child can be talked out of. For some children, a particular texture, flavour or smell registers so intensely that their body reacts before they have any choice in the…
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Signs of Social Communication Difficulty in Children
Signs of social communication difficulty in children can include finding turn-taking in conversation tricky, reading facial expressions and tone of voice differently from other children, struggling to join in play or keep friendships going, or taking jokes and sayings very literally. Every child communicates in their own way, and any one sign on its own…
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Articulation vs Phonological Disorder: What Is the Difference?
An articulation disorder is a difficulty physically producing individual speech sounds — the tongue, lips or jaw do not quite make the movement a sound needs. A phonological disorder is different: the sounds themselves can often be made, but the child’s speech system organises them using simpler patterns, so whole groups of sounds change in…
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First Words: What Counts as a First Word?
A first word is more than a sound that happens to resemble a word. It counts as a true first word when your baby uses it on purpose, uses it consistently for the same person, object or action, and uses it independently — not only when copying you. The word does not need to sound…
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Speech Therapist vs Speech Teacher vs Other Professionals: Who Does What?
A speech and language therapist is the professional who assesses and supports difficulties with communication, and with eating, drinking and swallowing, in children and adults. A speech or language teacher — a title used in some schools and some countries — usually works within education, helping children to use language for learning in the classroom.…
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Hoarse Voice That Will Not Go Away: When to Seek Advice
Hoarseness is when the voice sounds rough, husky, breathy or strained instead of clear. Most hoarse voices come from everyday causes — a cold, a lot of talking, dry air — and settle again as the irritation calms. A hoarse voice that will not go away is different: because no one can tell the cause…
Featured Guides
Start with these complete, in-depth guides — one for each topic.
Cognitive-Communication Difficulties After Stroke and Brain Injury: A Complete Guide for Families
Motor Speech Disorders Explained: Dysarthria and Apraxia of Speech — A Complete Guide
What Does a Speech and Language Therapist Do? A Complete Guide for Families and Adults
How Therapy Works
1
Assessment
The first step is getting to know the person: how they communicate now, what is difficult, and what matters most to them and their family. This helps everyone understand the starting point.
2
A Personalised Plan
Next, the therapist and family agree on clear, realistic goals together. The plan is built around everyday life, such as mealtimes, school, work and conversations at home.
3
Therapy Sessions
Sessions practise the skills in the plan, using activities that fit the person’s age, interests and energy. Progress is often gradual, and small steps are worth celebrating.
4
Home Practice and Review
Short, regular practice at home helps new skills become part of daily life. Goals are reviewed over time, and the plan changes as the person grows, recovers and moves forward.
Why this site exists
Helping Children and Adults Find Their Voice
This site exists to make speech, language and swallowing difficulties easier to understand. Behind every difficulty is a person: a child working towards their first meaningful words, or a survivor learning to speak, eat and drink safely again after a stroke.
Here you will find clear, caring information you can trust — written in plain language, focused on everyday life, and honest about what therapy can and cannot do. Wherever you are in the world, you are welcome here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is speech and language therapy?
Speech and language therapy supports people who have difficulty communicating, understanding, speaking clearly, using their voice, or swallowing safely. A speech-language pathologist works with the person and their family to understand their needs and build skills step by step.
Do you work with adults as well as children?
Yes. Support covers the whole lifespan, from young children who are learning to talk, to adults recovering communication after stroke or brain injury, and older adults with swallowing or voice difficulties.
Can therapy happen online?
Yes, many sessions can take place by video call. Online sessions can work well for conversation practice, language work, parent coaching and many other goals. The Online Therapy page explains how remote sessions generally work.
How do I know if my child needs help?
Trust your instincts. If your child seems frustrated when trying to communicate, is much harder to understand than other children of a similar age, or is not making progress with talking, it is worth seeking advice. The articles on this site explain common signs in general terms.
What happens at a first appointment?
A first appointment usually involves talking about your concerns, your history and your goals, followed by some simple activities or observations. It is a friendly conversation, not a test you can fail. You will have time to ask questions.
Is the information on this site medical advice?
No. Everything on this site is general educational information only. It cannot diagnose or treat anyone, and it does not replace an assessment by a qualified speech and language therapist or another healthcare professional.
A Note on Medical Information
The information on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an assessment by a qualified speech and language therapist or other healthcare professional. If someone is choking, has sudden speech changes, face drooping or weakness, or may be having a stroke, call your local emergency number immediately.