Teenager 13-18 years

It is a common misconception held that, by this age children will have developed their speech, language and communication skills completely, however in reality young people’s speech, language and communication skills continue to develop throughout secondary school.

Between the ages of 13 and 18 young people have learnt the basics of language and they are constantly developing and improving on their skills. Through these years they will learn many different ways they can use language which they have not had to do previously. Their language will continue to mature into adulthood.

By 13 years:

Young people should be able to do:

• Follow complex spoken instructions containing a large amount of information, new vocabulary and complex grammar
• Have an understanding of common simple sayings in context
• Acknowledge and have understanding of another's point of view even if it is conflicting or different to their own.
• Understands factual information but may struggle to understand information that requires inferring.
• Developing an understanding of sarcasm however this is in an exaggerated state with

14-18 years:

At this age a young person will be able to understand:

• Long and complicated instructions with many different directions.
• Use the language they have been given by their communication partner to solve complex problems during a conversation.
• Understand figurative language, make predictions based on information not given to them and understand sarcasm.
• When they haven't understood their communication partner and will ask for clarifications appropriately.

The vocabulary of a young person at this age will:

• Develop rapidly as they learn approximately 7-10 new words a day.
• Enable them to understand double meanings and subject words.

You can expect the narrative of a young person to:

• Involve lots of long and complex ideas.
• Be interesting and engaging stories.

Socially, young people should be able to:

• Use their language to persuade and negotiate with others.
• Keep up with rapidly changing talk.
• Switch their language styles to suit the environment, situation and communicative partner.

Our speech and language therapists have the knowledge and experience to help increase the development of children or young adults who may be finding, speech, language or communication difficult. We can provide a range of assessments and an individualised therapy programme to suit the needs of your child and to improve development.

If you are concerned about your child’s speech, language and communication development and would like to book an assessment please email office@sltforkids.co.uk or call 0330 088 2298.