Two million children with speech and language challenges face mental health crisis

A ‘devastating’ double disadvantage is robbing two million UK children of a happy, healthy childhood, according to a new report.

The report from Speech and Language UK and the Centre for Mental Health reveals that children struggling with talking and understanding words are not only more likely to develop mental health problems – they’re also less likely to get the support they need.

A record two million UK children now face significant struggles with talking and understanding words – more than ever before. Worryingly, four in five (81%) of children experiencing mental health problems also have significant, often undiagnosed, speech and language difficulties.

Almost half – 45% – of all young people referred to mental health services are grappling with serious language challenges.

Authors say this mental health crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of rapidly rising mental health issues. According to NHS Digital data in 2023, 1 in 5 children and young people (aged 8 to 25) experienced a mental health problem – a dramatic increase from 1 in 9 in 2017.

They say the consequences of this affect every aspect of these children’s lives. For children who struggle with talking and understanding words, recognising and expressing emotions can be especially difficult. Language is the primary tool we use to make sense of our thoughts and feelings, and without it, emotions can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. Without the words to explain how they feel, their ability to process and manage these emotions is significantly impacted, and over time, can manifest in mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

Speech and language therapy services are also stretched to breaking point – underfunded, oversubscribed, and unable to meet soaring demand, the report says.

Siouxsie, now 19, has Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a lifelong condition that affects at least two children in every classroom. Her mother spent years tirelessly advocating for the right support – often in the face of disbelief or dismissal.

“None of my teachers knew what DLD was, and none of them knew how to support a student struggling the way I do – so I was ignored, invisible and left to struggle alone at school.

“I’ve been battling with my mental health for years and at the core of it is this exhausting fight to communicate and be understood. I feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the world around me. When I do try to get help its impossible. The therapies offered don’t work for people like me.

In response to the findings, Speech and Language UK and the Centre for Mental Health is calling on the Government to take urgent action, including mandatory training for mental health practitioners in schools and better collaboration between speech therapy and mental health services.

“Too many children are missing out on mental health support because existing services aren’t adapting to meet their needs,” Andy Bell, Chief Executive at Centre for Mental Health, said. “This has to change. Both education and health services must be resourced to meet a child’s health, social, educational and developmental needs holistically.”

Jane Harris, Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK said the report reveals a national tragedy.

“We’re failing our most vulnerable children twice over.

“When a child can’t express how they feel or understand what’s happening around them, their world becomes frightening and isolating.

“We then offer mental health therapies they can’t access – it simply doesn’t make sense. These children are being let down at every turn. We cannot let their voices go unheard any longer.”