Things to look out for

A child at this age should have well-developed speech, language and communication skills.  If they are finding language difficult, you might notice that they:

• Find it hard to learn and understand the meanings of words.
• Find it hard to understand language about things in the past or future. 
• Struggle to understand phrases that can mean more than one thing, such as “pull your socks up”.
• Respond to just part of an instruction, usually the beginning or end.
• Use short sentences, often with words missing or in the wrong order.
• Find it hard to make up stories. This shows in written work as well as talking.
• Are not learning at school, but nobody can explain why.
• Are struggling to make and keep friends.