<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[NI Private Speech Therapy ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Specialist 1:1 speech therapy for children and adults across East Antrim, offering assessment and tailored support in everyday environments.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:01:36 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Supporting Speech Development at home]]></title><description><![CDATA[How to support speech development at home]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/advancing-child-speech-growth-methods-at-home</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697880c3347675a22b8a19e4</guid><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><category><![CDATA[Child Speech Therapy]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:04:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cd2fa0_9068d1f37bc142149cc007c9b52f96fc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Language Difficulties Often Show Up at School]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why many children appear to be coping well with communication in the early years, only for difficulties to become more noticeable once they start school. It looks at how language demands change in the classroom, what this can look like day to day, and how parents can support children at home and alongside school.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/why-language-difficulties-often-show-up-at-school</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6970e20e6582220b65f23adb</guid><category><![CDATA[Primary School Age]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:29:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9d4821369a424b98994db739211dea96.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Screen Time and Early Language: What the Latest UK Research Really Says - and How to Support Communication Without Giving Up Screens]]></title><description><![CDATA[What recent UK research tells us about screen time and early language development, how screen use fits within the wider home learning environment, why context matters more than minutes alone, and how parents can support communication in everyday life.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/screen-time-and-early-language-what-the-latest-uk-research-really-says-and-how-to-support-communi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6970dc97cf778e0a7c385179</guid><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><category><![CDATA[Child Speech Therapy]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:09:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_dbd7132cb85e4768ae197ef3c5fd9c1b~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Play Matters More Than You Think]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why play is so important for language development, the communication skills that grow through different types of play, why speech and language therapy often looks like play, and how parents can support language without adding pressure.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/why-play-matters-more-than-you-think</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6970cc07cf778e0a7c3812fd</guid><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><category><![CDATA[Child Speech Therapy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Primary School Age]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:05:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_3e85b29b2cab48debe4135d955204d2f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Parent Coaching Right for You? Support for Parents Navigating Communication and Additional Needs]]></title><description><![CDATA[How parent coaching supports parents’ confidence and wellbeing while navigating communication difficulties, additional needs, and complex systems.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/parent-coaching-right-for-you-support-for-parents-navigating-communication-and-additional-needs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69654447f5c800c966566695</guid><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:13:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cd2fa0_6e81e0b8869545b8888e55fd45210a60~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Emotional Regulation Difficulties Related to Communication Supporting children and young people when language breakdowns affect emotions, behaviour, and wellbeing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn how language difficulties can impact emotional regulation in children and young people, and how supportive communication can reduce frustration and anxiety.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/emotional-regulation-difficulties-related-to-communicationsupporting-children-and-young-people-when</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69653acf3f7b9d5cbee23420</guid><category><![CDATA[Child Speech Therapy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><category><![CDATA[Primary School Age]]></category><category><![CDATA[Secondary School Age]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:36:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cd2fa0_9fe3eef429ae4edba8f6b27a96b9df67~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_740,h_380,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Speech Sound Development in Children]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn how speech sounds typically develop in children, common error patterns, and when speech and language therapy may be helpful.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/understanding-speech-sound-development-in-children</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6964d5f0f5f677155673a14f</guid><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:59:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cd2fa0_70c0292c8e7b48a6aec7324e31b193c8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When a Brain Injury Changes Communication: How Speech and Language Therapy Can Help]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn how speech and language therapy supports children and teenagers after acquired brain injury, including communication, executive functioning, fatigue, and everyday participation.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/when-a-brain-injury-changes-communication-how-speech-and-language-therapy-can-help</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6964d221f5f677155673985a</guid><category><![CDATA[Child Speech Therapy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><category><![CDATA[Primary School Age]]></category><category><![CDATA[Secondary School Age]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:01:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/efb073fc369648698802b4983f84295b.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thinking About Private Speech and Language Therapy? Some Things to Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[Things to know if you're thinking about private speech and language therapy]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/thinking-about-private-speech-and-language-therapy-some-things-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6963d1893fdcfca79d813986</guid><category><![CDATA[Child Speech Therapy]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 16:42:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cd2fa0_697bd1965fa1417f8b0ef9894fa9fb91~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Speech and Language Therapy and How Can It Help My Child?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn what speech and language therapy is, how it supports children aged 18 months–18 years, and when assessment or teletherapy may help.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/what-is-speech-and-language-therapy-and-how-can-it-help-my-child</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6963cac4f5f677155671333b</guid><category><![CDATA[Child Speech Therapy]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 16:22:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/693a578457e54408b5c9c95022884baa.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Developmental Language Disorder in Children]]></title><description><![CDATA[Understanding Developmental Language Disorder in children, how it affects communication and learning, and practical, everyday ways parents can support at home.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/understanding-developmental-language-disorder-in-children</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6963c31cf5c800c96652da7c</guid><category><![CDATA[Primary School Age]]></category><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:50:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_76301a6b8154404c96449ed146abdc69~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[DLD Developmental Language Disorder in Teenagers]]></title><description><![CDATA[A parent guide to Developmental Language Disorder in teenagers. Learn how DLD can affect communication, learning, and wellbeing — and how speech and language therapy can help.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/dld-developmental-language-disorder-in-teenagers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6963bd99cca849701e8ea0c6</guid><category><![CDATA[Secondary School Age]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:21:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_e6f594778ee94ed597c59a9452285f8d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Talking With Teenagers When Communication Is Difficult]]></title><description><![CDATA[A parent guide to teenage communication difficulties. Learn how language, emotion, and regulation affect teens and how to support communication with confidence.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/talking-with-teenagers-when-communication-is-difficult</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6963a914f5c800c966529c0a</guid><category><![CDATA[Secondary School Age]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:59:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_837521ed6991471eacfb675978a57ac1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Listening, Remembering, and Talking Are So Closely Linked: Understanding language and learning in primary school children]]></title><description><![CDATA[This post explores the links between listening, memory, and language in primary-aged children. It explains how language affects learning and offers practical ways parents can support at home and alongside school. It focuses on everyday support, includes guidance for AAC users, and acknowledges different language pathways, including Gestalt language development.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/why-listening-remembering-and-talking-are-so-closely-linked-understanding-language-and-learning-i</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69614778957e8f6c8aa691b4</guid><category><![CDATA[Primary School Age]]></category><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:39:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a59c6ac312a34f0d85792d37342b3130.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[No Extra Time Needed: Supporting Your Child’s Communication Through Daily Routines]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn how everyday routines like meals, bath time, and getting dressed can support your child’s communication. No extra time or activities needed — just small, realistic shifts in daily life.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/no-extra-time-needed-supporting-your-child-s-communication-through-daily-routines</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6961453fbb643392cffb3584</guid><category><![CDATA[Primary School Age]]></category><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:21:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f3822079d15f4ba589f16db500bfff99.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Everyday Responses Help Language Development]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn how everyday responses shape children’s communication. This article explains why responsive, back-and-forth interaction supports language development, emotional regulation, and connection.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/how-everyday-responses-help-language-development</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696130b7bb643392cffb08e5</guid><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:57:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cd2fa0_006c78da3bd6483ca9e4c533674fe5aa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating Space for Communication: Helping Your Child Initiate]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn why giving your child space to initiate communication matters. This article explains how pausing, observing, and responding can support early language development — including for children who use AAC or learn language differently.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/creating-opportunities-for-your-child-to-initiate-communication</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69612518047d909b9a67f78d</guid><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><category><![CDATA[Primary School Age]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:10:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_42a4b7a704174053b77352658be81981~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making Your Words Count: Why Comments Help More Than Questions]]></title><description><![CDATA[This article explores why asking fewer questions and using more comments can support early language development. Learn how reducing pressure and modelling language helps children communicate more confidently.]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/making-your-words-matter-comments-vs-questions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696107c96d2e4f0e09796b38</guid><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:55:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cd2fa0_3114a66a45bb4357967a7fbcec827bc8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Strengthening the Foundations: Supporting Your Toddler’s Communication at Home]]></title><description><![CDATA[Supporting communication doesn’t require extra worksheets, special toys, or setting aside large chunks of time. It works best when it fits naturally into daily life.
]]></description><link>https://www.niprivatespeechtherapy.com/post/supporting-your-toddlers-communication-at-home</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695ea58dce09b1c26612c0d1</guid><category><![CDATA[Early Years]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:57:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_d867f2a000bb4f9d8e3ae16bd4387aef~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Suzanne Turner</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>