Speech and language needs and disabilities

We caught up with the experts to find out everything you need to know about baby signing, including how to get started at home and types of sign systems like BSL, Makaton and Signalong.

Music therapist Ray Travasso explains how a music therapy session can benefit children with a range of needs.

Speech and Language Therapist Alys Mathers talks about how you can support your child's speech and language development if they have a visual impairment.

Emma from the National Deaf Children's Society shares how to support a child's communication skills if they are deaf.

Expert advice on using alternative modes of communication to help children's early language skills.

SLT Alys Mathers explains how children communicate in a variety of ways - extra important if they have additional needs.

Speech and language therapist Alys Mathers explains how to find support for your child.

How creative activities can help your child communicate if they have additional needs.

Advice on how you can support your little one and help them build their communication skills.

What is DLD and how can you spot the signs your child has it?

Speech and Language UK's Claire Smith tells us all about echolalia, when children repeat back what you say to them.

A speech and language therapist explains all about cleft palates and lips and how they affect children's speech.

Almost all children can learn to be clean and dry. Children with an additional need or a disability may need more help.

Tips from families and the National Autistic Society on avoiding sensory overload during the holidays.

Three-year-old Parker has Down's syndrome and Hirschprung's disease - we spoke to his mum Leanne about Makaton, social media and the power of positivity.

Meet Torrian, Layla and Milo, who has a form of albinism that affects his skin, hair and eyes.

Meet Ryan, Simone and Dantae, who has Down syndrome and sickle cell anaemia.

Meet Diana, Jade and Christian, who has cerebral palsy and visual impairment.

Meet David, Hannah, Ethan and Amy. Ethan has Down syndrome and hearing loss.

Meet Tanya and John, who has a speech delay. Tanya talks about how a 'chill out corner' has helped when he has a tantrum.

Meet Carlie and TJ, who has autism. Carlie tells us how Makaton has helped her and TJ to communicate.

Meet Amy and Nellie, who is partially sighted and has autism. She also has echolalia. Amy explains the family dynamic with Nellie.

Meet Kazmin and Gracie, who has septo-optic dysplasia. Kazmin explains some of the ways she has found support in meeting Gracie's needs.

Meet Jade, Stevie and Piper, who has septo-optic dysplasia, a condition that affects her sight.

Meet Harps, Preetam and their sons Arjun and Saajan. Harps and Preetam discuss the ways they help Saajan with his language learning.

Meet Deborah and her 3 year old son Oliver, who has Down syndrome. Deborah talks about the ways she helps Oliver to play and build his communication skills.

If your child has a disability or more complex needs, you might worry about how others will treat them, but you can help them in many ways.

If your child has a disability or more complex needs, you might worry about others judging them on appearances. You may choose to explain their behaviours or not, you know best.

It might be difficult to hear your little one is born with complex needs, but every child is special and there are ways you can help them learn and develop.

Simone is mum to Dantae, who has Down syndrome. She chats about how learning Makaton has helped Dantae's communication.

Layla is mum to Milo, who has visual impairment as a result of being born with a form of albinism.

Diana is mum to Christian, who has cerebral palsy and a visual impairment.

Hannah is mum to Ethan, who has Down syndrome. Hannah offers her advice for other parents about communicating and learning.

We caught up with Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis to talk about her experience learning to sign as a child.