Language and communication

Learn more about language and communication – although closely linked, they are not the same thing.

Information for parents on what to think about when choosing a communication approach for your deaf child.

Communication development starts from the moment a child is born and is a process that never stops.

Key information about sign language, how it is used, and answers to questions commonly asked by parents.

Learn about sign bilingualism, an approach which means children learn two languages, one being sign language.

Information on specialised communication approaches to support deaf children with additional needs.

Find guides to help you support your child's language acquisition, reading and writing, and mathematics.

Read about pragmatics, which is the skill of using language socially and is key to being able to take part in conversations.

Learn how to create a good audio-visual environment, to improve incidental learning (everyday social information).