Mind your words - children, young people and mental health

RCSLT - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

In this episode we talk to Melanie Cross, Speech and Language Therapist and Dr Hannah Hobson, Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of York about the the links between speech, language and communication needs and social, emotional and mental health needs in children and young people. We look at some of the factors involved; difficulties accessing diagnosis and support and discuss ways to improve outcomes for children and young people, including more joined up working, improving communication access for all and further research.
Resources:
Mind your words: Children and young people's mental health elearning:
This online training highlights the links between mental health and communication and outlines how professionals can work together to remove communication barriers and help these children and young people achieve their potential. The course consists of 15 modules, of which the first five apply to all settings.
Access the free training here: https://www.rcsltcpd.org.uk/course/view.php?id=16
RCSLT factsheet on social, emotional and mental health
https://www.rcslt.org/members/clinical-guidance/social-emotional-mental-health/social-emotional-and-mental-health-influencing/#section-3

Emerging Minds Special Interest Research Group:
The Emerging Minds special interest research group (SIRG) is aiming to find out what research is needed on SEMH and SLCN, more information is here https://emergingminds.org.uk/special-interest-research-groups/.

We’d really like to know what research you think is needed. Please give us your views and send this survey around your professional networks ( and to families who experience DLD ) using this anonymous link: https://york.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAaEWew9CQ4HD02

Communication Access UK: an initiative developed in partnership by charities and organisations that share a vision to improve the lives of people with communication difficulties. There is a Communication Access Symbol, a new disability access symbol, which is underpinned by a training package and standards.
Access the free training here: https://communication-access.co.uk/
It’s also important to understand how difficult screening for and assessment of SLCN and DLD are. See Professor Courtney Norbury’s blog for more information about screening. http://www.lilac-lab.org/news-post/to-screen-or-not-to-screen-important-factors-to-consider/ and there’s more information about assessment in Mind your Words.
References:
Hollo A, Wehby JH, Oliver RM. (2014) Unidentified Language Deficits in Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: A Meta-Analysis. Exceptional Children; 80(2): 169-186.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001440291408000203
Newlove-Delgado, T., McManus, S., Sadler, K., Thandi, S., Vizard, T., Cartwright, C., & Ford, T. (2021). Child mental health in England before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(5), 353–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30570-8
The interview is conducted by Jacques Strauss, freelance digital producer.