Early advice session

Toddler holding a banana sitting on kitchen countertop supported by parent. Parent has earphones in and both are in front of a laptop.

The early advice sessions are for toddlers and pre-school children aged 2 to 5 years old. These are short 1-to-1 sessions to discuss your child’s speech and language concerns with a specialist.

Interpreters are available.

What is discussed in an early advice session

Our team are able to discuss toddlers, pre-schoolers and children aged 2 years old to 5 years old, who have not started school.

Topics covered in an early advice session:

stammering or stuttering
not understanding or saying many words
not able to say words correctly
in a household where more than 1 language is spoken at home, they are not speaking in any of the languages spoken at home

Information and advice

We strongly recommend reading our information and advice on toddlers and pre-schoolers. We have made this information so you can help your toddler or pre-schooler at home.

Smiling baby sitting down wearing a blue jumper.

Helping your toddler to talk

Talking can be intimidating for babies and toddlers. It can take some toddlers a little longer to speak. Every child is different and may start speaking earlier or later than others.

Young girl sitting on dad's knee reading a book together and laughing.

Stammering

Stammering is where there is a problem that disrupts the flow and timing of speech. Learn more about stammering and how to help your toddler or pre-schooler

Attention and listening skills

The most important skills needed for communication are attention and listening skills. Learn about milestones and activities to help your toddler's attention and listening skills.

Playing and social skills

Play is your child’s way of exploring and learning about the world. Learn about milestones and activities to help your toddler's play and social skills.

Understanding spoken language helps children follow instructions, answer questions, understand stories and identify objects and pictures. Learn about milestones and activities to help your toddler's understanding of language.

Using language

Use of language is also known as ‘expressive language’. It is how your child is learning to say new words and put them together into sentences. Learn about milestones and activities to help your toddler's use of language.

Speech sounds

Speech sounds are the individual sounds we use to make words. Learn about milestones and activities to help your toddler's speech sound skills.

Referrals

Please read our information and advice before referring your child.

Referrals for children under 5 years old must be completed and submitted by a parent or carer.

Once a referral has been made, we will send you an email to book a video or telephone appointment. This appointment will be with a speech and language therapist. You will be able to talk about your concerns and what you would like help with.

Read about video calling.

Complete the referral form

Have your say

Please tell us about your recent experience with any of our services by answering a few simple questions. We want to hear about what you felt went well and what you think we could do differently.

Your voice makes a difference and helps us improve our services for you and other families.