Speech challenges and mental health issues linked

Speech and Language UK and the Centre for Mental Health are calling for urgent policy and practice reforms to support the record-high two million children in the UK who have speech and language challenges, which not only impact their ability to communicate but also increase their risk of developing mental health difficulties.
 
Research shows 81% of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties also have significant language difficulties.  In addition, between 45% and 64% of young people referred to mental health services have a language disorder.
 
This link has far-reaching consequences for education, social development and wellbeing. Children who have speech and language challenges have double the risk (1.8-2.3 times more) of poor mental health in adolescence compared to their peers.  Many of the approaches for supporting mental health involve talking which means that children who struggle with talking and understanding words can't benefit from support that is available.
 
Despite the clear connection between speech and language challenges and mental health difficulties, UK services remain fragmented and overstretched. Long waits for speech and language therapy services, pressure on mental health services and limited integration between the two delay early intervention, which is crucial for preventing the escalation of difficulties. Many school staff also lack training to identify and support children with both needs, further contributing to gaps in care.

Speech and Language UK and Centre for Mental Health are calling for clear policy and practice recommendations to better support these children. These include investing in early identification and intervention, adjusting and adapting access to mental health services, and workforce training for mental health practitioners. They also recommend listening to young people (including those from marginalised groups and racialised communities), and funding research
 
Jane Harris, Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK, said: “Speech and language challenges don’t just affect how children communicate – they shape how they understand and express their emotions. Without the language for how they feel, many struggle silently, unable to process their thoughts or reach out for support.
 
“This is an urgent call to action.  Forthcoming changes to the education system - especially SEND reform - must recognise the link between speech and language challenges and mental health, and the need to educate and train teaching staff to tackle the crisis in our schools.
 
“The Government must invest in the next generation with urgency and compassion. That means resourcing the people who support them and joining up the gaps between speech and language therapy and mental health services.”
 
Andy Bell, chief executive at Centre for Mental Health, said: "The links between mental health difficulties and speech and language challenges are undeniable. But fragmented services and long waits for support on both sides put children at a double disadvantage and can rob them of a happy and healthy childhood.
 
"Delayed or inaccessible support casts a long shadow across a child's life - and this is avoidable. We're calling on the Government to invest now in earlier identification of difficulties and in adapting mental health support for children experiencing speech and language difficulties."