Beyond Social Skills: A Speech Therapist's Guide to Supporting Teen Wellbeing

As I walked along the shore this morning, reflecting on my three decades as a speech therapist, I found myself deeply contemplating the growing challenges our teenagers face with social communication. The fresh air and peaceful surroundings provided the perfect backdrop to consider the impact we have as professionals on those struggling with speech, language, and communication—skills we so often take for granted.

Recently, my work has focused on teenagers who have found themselves unable to attend school, many diagnosed with ADHD or ASD. Their struggles have illuminated a concerning gap in our support systems. These young people face daily challenges that many might consider routine—visiting shops, asking for directions, or simply interacting with peers. Yet for them, these seemingly simple tasks can feel insurmountable.

What's particularly striking is the ripple effect these challenges create. It's not just the teenagers who struggle; entire families find themselves navigating an often overwhelming landscape. During a recent home visit, I met a mother homeschooling three children with autism, one with additional needs. As she vulnerably shared her story, the mental strain was evident in her voice. It was a powerful reminder that we often overlook the mental health of parents raising children with Special Educational Needs.

The Current State of Support

Speaking with a teacher recently highlighted another crucial issue. In his lower-set class, more than half of the students had Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. While these are legal documents meant to ensure support, the reality is far more complex. With 30 students in a class, how can teachers effectively implement these plans? How do they support a child who cannot ask for help or struggles to understand classroom dynamics?

The challenge is three-fold:

• Teenagers aren't receiving adequate support

• Parents lack guidance on supporting their children

• Teachers feel overwhelmed and under-resourced

A Creative Approach to Wellbeing

In my own life, I've found creativity to be a powerful tool for managing stress and processing emotions. Whether it's journaling, creating art, or even producing this content, creative outlets provide vital space for reflection and release. Everyone's outlet looks different—some find solace in walking, others in cooking or listening to podcasts. The key is finding what works for you.

Looking Forward: A New Resource

This reflection has inspired me to embark on an exciting journey—writing a comprehensive book for teenagers struggling with social skills, their parents, teachers, and newly qualified speech and language therapists and occupational therapists. This practical resource will offer:

• Real-world strategies for social interaction

• Journaling prompts for reflection

• Practical applications based on 30 years of experience

• Support for both teens and those who care for them

While EHC plans serve an important legal purpose, we need to move beyond mere compliance to create meaningful support systems. Our teenagers deserve more than just documentation—they need practical, accessible strategies for navigating their social world.

Free Resource Available

As I develop this larger project, I'm pleased to offer a free resource called "Make a Sentence!" You can access this tool at mavenbusinesshaven.com/sentence.

I'm deeply excited about this journey and would love to hear your thoughts. What challenges do you face in supporting teenagers with social skills? What resources would you find most helpful? Your insights will help shape this resource into something truly valuable for our community.

Together, we can create better support systems for our teenagers, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Because when it comes to supporting young people's social development, we're all in this together.

Key takeaways for parents, teachers, and newly qualified SLTs & OTs:

• Prioritize parental mental health: Supporting children with SEN can be incredibly challenging. Remember to acknowledge and address the mental health needs of parents and caregivers.

• Encourage creative outlets: Finding a creative outlet can be a powerful tool for managing stress and processing emotions for both children and adults.

• Practical support for social skills: There is a need for practical resources that can help teens develop social skills and navigate social situations.

• Reflection and journaling: Encouraging reflection and journaling can help teens process their feelings and experiences related to social interaction.

In the meantime, check out my free resource: Make a Sentence!

This fun and free resource is designed to help children learn to construct sentences and express themselves confidently.

Click here to download Make a Sentence! Link to your resource

I look forward to sharing more updates on this project soon!