Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I would like to speak to a Speech and Language Therapist for some advice regarding my child’s talking. What is available, and who can I contact?

A. You can phone your local Speech and Language Therapy department for advice. Helplines are available and the contact details are here.

Q. My son uses a dummy for comfort. When and how should I help him with getting out of this habit?

A. Please see Babies And Dummies for information.

Q. I am unsure whether my child’s talking is developing as it should. Where can I get information on typical speech and language development?

A. Please use the link that relates to your child’s age: up to 18 months or 18 months to 3 years.

Q. My daughter will be starting Nursery next year, and we are currently speaking to her in Arabic (our first language) at home. We are not sure if this is the best thing to do, as she has not heard very much English yet. Could you give me some guidance on which language to use?

Q. My child isn’t talking yet. What can I do to help with this?

A. Please see the following: Ways To Encourage Communication and First Words.

Q. My 3 year old son is stumbling on his words. I am worried that he may be stammering. What can I do to help him?

A.  It’s common for children to stumble on their words once they start to put phrases together. This is a normal stage, but if it persists for three months or more, you may wish to talk to your Health Visitor or make contact with your local Speech and Language Therapy department. For information and tips to support your child’s talking, please register to attend My Child Has a Stammer (an NHS Lothian webinar) here or see Stammering: How to help fluency of speech in young children; or visit the Action for Stammering website.
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Q. My daughter has glue ear. How can I help her, and where can I find out more about this condition?

For more information on any of the above, please contact your local Speech and Language Therapy department. The contact details are here.