Language and communication
Learn about the different ways deaf children and young people can communicate.
All children need language and communication skills to make sense of the world around them, to build relationships with other people and be understood by them. Deaf children and young people can communicate in lots of different ways. Every deaf child is different, and what works for one family may not work for another.
This section explores the main communication methods used by deaf children and young people. It includes ways that families can support language development and how to create a good communication environment.
Making choices about communication can feel overwhelming, especially for parents who are new to deafness. Remember, the choices you make now do not have to be permanent. The way your child communicates will evolve as they grow.
In our house, we use various methods of communication – speaking as her brothers are hearing and that's their main language, BSL as that's our main language, and we also use the ACC [augmentative and alternative communication device] along with visuals!
I imagine when people come to the house and see us all together communicating in so many different ways that they must wonder how on earth can we all understand each other, but we always do."
Jenni is mum to Faith (7). Jenni and Faith are profoundly deaf and wear cochlear implants.
Communicating with your deaf baby or toddler
Learn ways to engage with your deaf baby or toddler and activities to help them develop language and communication skills.
Choosing a communication approach
Get support to help you make choices about how your child communicates, both now and in the future.
Sign language
Find out about British Sign Language (BSL), Irish Sign Language (ISL) and the different ways you and your family can learn.
Spoken language
Find out how you can support your child to develop speech and listening skills.
Understanding language delay
Learn how to spot signs of a language delay and support your child’s language development.
Pragmatics and social communication
Learn about social communication and pragmatics, including ways to support your child to communicate with others and understand their thoughts and feelings
Creating a good communication environment
Find out about small changes you can make to your home and family life to support your child’s development.
Lip-reading
Learn how children develop the ability to lip-read, and how you can make lip-reading easier.
Speech and language therapy
Find out how speech and language therapists can support deaf children, including what to expect from speech and language therapy.
Deaf-friendly communication guidance
Basic advice to help you engage with deaf children and young people to create a deaf-friendly environment for everyone.