When to get support#

You may get support from a speech-language therapist (SLT) for a child if:

• their talking is very hard to understand in any of the languages they speak
• their language skills are below expected levels, for example, they can talk only in short sentences or their word order in sentences is mixed up
• they find it hard to follow verbal instructions
• they find it hard to have conversations with other children and adults, and difficulty participating in group communication tasks such as negotiation, working collaboratively or demonstrating their learning
• they have difficulty getting words out or have a stutter, for example, they repeat words or parts of words or get stuck on words
• they have a problem with their voice that makes it hard for them to talk, for example, they might have a hoarse or husky voice or keep losing their voice
• you and the child's family aren't sure about the best ways to support their achievement and wellbeing.

What a support plan can include#

SLTs work in schools to supports whānau | families and teachers to support children to communicate effectively in daily life. 

The SLT will talk with the child’s family and teachers about the best ways to support them. The plan could include:

• cultural support for the child, their family and teachers
• ideas, strategies and coaching for teachers to support the child
• ideas, strategies and coaching for the family to support their child at home
• ways to adapt literacy programmes to support the child’s communication
• ideas for on how to set up the classroom to be communication friendly
• advice and guidance for everyone supporting the child on how things are going and whether the plan is on track.

How to request support#

To request support from a speech-language therapist, contact your regional office.

Regional offices