Speech and language struggles linked to rising mental health issues in children, warns UK charity
Nearly half of all children referred to mental health services also face communication challenges, says Speech and Language UK
A growing number of children in the UK are struggling with both their mental health and their ability to communicate – and the two are more closely linked than many parents realise, according to the charity Speech and Language UK.
The organisation says 45% of young people referred to mental health services are also facing serious speech and language difficulties – from limited vocabulary and trouble understanding instructions, to conditions like stammering or developmental language disorder (DLD).
These communication challenges can make it harder for children to process emotions, talk about how they feel, and get the right support early on.
“If you’re struggling with language, you can’t say to yourself, ‘I’m sad, I’m angry’,” says Jane Harris, Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK.
“So if we’ve got more and more children who are struggling with language, we’re going to end up with more and more children with mental health problems.”
Why communication is key to emotional health
Words aren’t just useful for learning and play – they’re also essential for identifying feelings, asking for help, and building relationships. But when children face barriers to communication, their emotional needs can go unnoticed.
According to Speech and Language UK, around two million children across the country are currently experiencing speech and language challenges, and for many of them, this can lead to difficulties with self-esteem, anxiety, and depression – especially if their struggles aren’t picked up early enough.
Many children with long-term speech issues have conditions such as autism, hearing loss or DLD, a condition that affects around 800,000 young people in the UK. But communication issues also affect children without a formal diagnosis – particularly in the early years, when support is most effective.
What the charity is calling for
Speech and Language UK is calling for better training for teachers, school staff and mental health professionals so they can spot early signs of communication difficulties – and adapt support accordingly.
They argue that current mental health support often relies too heavily on talking-based therapies, which may not be suitable for children with speech and language needs. Instead, more creative, accessible methods such as art therapy, music or drama could be more effective for many young people.
“They need to spot when a child has both communication and mental health issues,” says Harris. “But also they need to make sure that whatever mental health support they’re giving them is actually adapted and is suitable for that child.”
They’re also urging stronger collaboration between schools, health services and families, so children don’t fall through the gaps between education and healthcare.
Government response and current initiatives
The Department for Education says it's taking action through early intervention programmes and by expanding mental health support in schools. This includes the Nuffield Early Language Intervention programme for Reception-age children, and working with NHS England to embed communication support into early years and primary settings.
Plans are also in place to expand mental health teams to reach 900,000 more pupils by April 2026, with a goal of having dedicated mental health support in every secondary school in England by 2030.
What parents can do if they’re worried
Speech and Language UK recommends parents watch out for common signs of communication difficulties, including:
- Trouble following instructions
- Limited vocabulary for their age
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Getting anxious or upset in group settings
- Reluctance to speak outside the home
If you're concerned, speak to your child’s teacher or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), or ask your GP for a referral to a speech and language therapist.
You can also encourage emotional expression in non-verbal ways – through drawing, movement or play – and seek out support from charities or local SEND services.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.