School support for children with speech and communication difficulties
If a child finds it difficult to understand instructions, struggles to find the right words or comes across as difficult when talking to others, everyday school life can become a daily challenge. A school support worker builds bridges between your child and their environment – so that they are understood and can make themselves understood. We are guided by a simple principle: as much support as necessary, as little as possible.
How speech and communication disorders manifest in everyday school life
The manifestations vary greatly – ranging from severe speech and language disorders, through difficulties with language comprehension and expressive disorders, to social communication disorders.
- Understanding instructions: Multi-part or rapidly spoken tasks in class are only partially understood – with limited language comprehension, the actual task is lost.
- Expressing oneself and finding the right words: With an expressive disorder, the child often knows what they want to say but cannot find the words or the correct sentence structure and breaks off.
- Keeping up with the pace of the lesson: It takes longer to understand and respond; the class moves on too quickly, and important content is missed.
- Social communication: Conversations, group work and negotiating rules are difficult – particularly in the case of a social communication disorder, when conversational patterns and unspoken cues remain unclear.
- Frustration and withdrawal: Repeated misunderstandings lead to frustration, shame or withdrawal – the child speaks up less often, avoids contributing and withdraws from the group.
How our support helps
We step in where communication breaks down – sensitively and at your child’s own pace.
- Making things clear and being understood: We use pictures, sign language or symbols so that your child can express themselves and grasp what is being said → supported and alternative communication.
- Structuring routines and tasks: We break instructions down into clear, manageable steps and make the daily routine predictable → structuring routines and tasks.
- Supporting social situations: During conversations and group work, we help to resolve misunderstandings and enable your child to participate → supporting social situations.
- Taking the pressure off: We give your child time, interpret where necessary and build their confidence, so that frustration turns back into the courage to participate.
- Independence as the goal: We withdraw our support as soon as your child no longer needs it.
Legal basis & application
Which funding body is responsible depends on the severity of the condition and should be clarified on a case-by-case basis. If the language or communication disorder is accompanied by psychological distress, the Youth Welfare Office may be responsible under Section 35a of Book VIII of the Social Code (SGB VIII) as part of integration support. If the primary concern is an (imminent) impairment of participation due to a disability, the Social Welfare Office is often the correct point of contact under Section 112 of SGB IX. We will guide you through this process and help you find the right course of action.
Qualifications of our support workers
Our support workers undergo a multi-stage selection process and receive training and further professional development at our own Splash Academy. For children with speech and communication disorders, we provide targeted training in augmentative and alternative communication, clear language and support in social situations. This ensures that your child has someone by their side who understands their way of communicating.
Frequently asked questions
Does school support replace speech and language therapy?
No. School support is not a form of therapy. It supports your child in their everyday school life by helping them to understand, express themselves and participate in lessons – as a complement to speech and language therapy, not as a replacement for it.
My child hardly speaks – can they still receive support?
Yes. This is precisely when supported and alternative communication is helpful: using pictures, symbols or sign language, your child can make themselves understood, even if speaking is difficult.
Who pays for school support?
That depends on the specific circumstances. Depending on whether the primary issue is psychological distress or a participation impairment, either the Youth Welfare Office (Section 35a of Book VIII of the Social Code) or the Social Welfare Office (Section 112 of Book IX of the Social Code) is responsible. We will clarify this with you on a case-by-case basis.
Does this also work at a mainstream school?
Yes. We provide support at both mainstream and special schools and coordinate our support with teachers and the school so that your child can learn where they feel comfortable.
How soon can we get started?
Simply get in touch with us – during a free initial consultation, we’ll assess your needs and help with the application. You’ll receive a reply round the clock via WhatsApp, free of charge and with no obligation.
Let’s talk about your child
In a free initial consultation, we’ll discuss your child’s needs, the application process and the next steps – with no obligation.
Request a consultation Send a message via WhatsApp
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Our own Splash Academy · Multi-stage selection process · Support at mainstream and special schools
This page is for information purposes only and does not replace medical or legal advice. The decision as to whether school support is suitable and eligible for funding is made by the relevant funding body on a case-by-case basis.