“More Common Than You Think: Understanding Speech and Language Challenges”
When we think about communication difficulties, we often picture someone stumbling over words or struggling to say certain sounds. But the reality of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) is much broader — and far more common — than most people realise.
In fact, around 1 in 10 children and young people in the UK have some form of SLCN. That means in every classroom, youth group, or friendship circle, there’s likely someone navigating the world with extra communication challenges — often unseen, often misunderstood.
What Is SLCN, Really?
SLCN isn’t just about “sounding things out.” It can affect how someone understands words, expresses their thoughts, joins conversations, or manages social interaction.
It can include:
- Speech difficulties, such as stammering or unclear pronunciation
- Language difficulties, like struggling to follow instructions or express ideas
- Social communication challenges, including understanding tone, sarcasm, or body language
- Selective mutism, where someone physically can’t speak in certain situations due to anxiety
These challenges can have a huge impact — on learning, relationships, mental health, and more. But because they’re not always visible, they’re often missed or mistaken for shyness, behaviour problems, or low ability.
Spotting the Signs
Every young person is different, but some signs of speech and language challenges include:
- Speaking less than expected for their age
- Finding it hard to follow conversations
- Avoiding talking in groups or public spaces
- Getting frustrated or withdrawn when trying to communicate
- Being labelled “quiet,” “difficult,” or “not listening” — when they’re actually struggling to process or express language
It’s not about intelligence — it’s about access. When a young person can’t communicate freely, the world feels harder to navigate.
The Hidden Impact: Mental Health, Isolation, and More
Communication is at the heart of human connection. When that connection feels out of reach, the emotional impact can be huge.
Many young people with SLCN experience:
- Anxiety around speaking or socialising
- Low self-esteem from years of being misunderstood
- Social isolation due to struggles forming friendships
- Frustration or shame over how they’re perceived
- And in some cases, depression, loneliness, or poor mental health outcomes
Left unsupported, these challenges can spiral — affecting everything from school attendance and achievement to a young person’s sense of identity and belonging.
Why Awareness Matters
Imagine going through school knowing what you want to say, but not being able to say it. Or avoiding social situations because you’re scared of being laughed at. Or being told off for something you didn’t even understand.
That’s the reality for many young people with SLCN.
Raising awareness isn’t just about speech — it’s about safety, belonging, and mental wellbeing. It means creating a world where:
- Young people feel heard and accepted
- Adults can spot the signs and support early on
- Schools, services, and communities work together to include everyone
What We’re Doing at Vocal Voyage
At Vocal Voyage, we know that every voice matters.
We support young people aged 11–24 with speech and language challenges — not with clinical therapy, but with real connection. Our mentoring, youth clubs, family support, and awareness work all aim to do one thing: help young people feel confident, understood, and empowered to speak their truth.
Whether it’s one-to-one mentoring, building confidence in a youth club, or helping schools and parents understand communication needs better — we’re on a mission to make sure no young person is left behind just because they communicate differently.
Let’s Change the Conversation
Speech and language challenges are more common than you think. And no young person should ever feel ashamed of the way they communicate.
If you’re a young person struggling with your voice, a parent unsure what to do next, or someone who simply wants to learn more — we’re here.
Let’s listen, learn, and lift each other up.
Follow our journey. Support our work. Share our message.
Because when we create a world where every voice matters, we all gain something powerful in return.