“My child is not speaking in school. What can I do?”

Praise your child for joining in and interacting with others, even when this is non-verbal. 

Acknowledge and praise all interactions with communication partners such as passing toys, nodding/shaking their head and pointing.

Concentrate on having fun with your child. 

This will reduce the pressure on your child to speak. Enjoying interactions with other people will reduce anxiety around talking to people.

Follow your child’s lead when they are ready to speak.  

Reassure them that they will be able to speak when they’re ready.  Don’t punish your child for not speaking.

Don’t beg or bribe your child to speak.  

It is important to not let your child know that you are anxious.

Discuss your concerns with school staff. 

If they are also concerned, it might be worth referring your child to your schools allocated therapist, or making a private referral on our home page if you’d like to be seen within 3 weeks.