My 11-year-old son Anthony has a speech, language and communication difficulty called Oral Dyspraxia, which makes his everyday life at home and school a real struggle. As a parent, it is heartbreaking to see my child frustrated and isolated, not able to convey his thoughts and feelings.

When Anthony's problems first became apparent I found it very difficult to obtain information about speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCDs) in children. I didn't know where to start my search and everything had to be done by phone or word of mouth, which was extremely difficult and time consuming.

Fortunately this need no longer be a problem, thanks to a new website - www.talkingpoint.org.uk. The site has recently been developed by the charities I CAN and Afasic, and The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, with support from BT and the Lloyds Foundation for England and Wales.

www.talkingpoint.org.uk provides parents and professionals with vital and accessible information, facts and news on children's SLCDs, as well as information on children's normal communication development. There is also a comprehensive database of organisations and professionals who can help, which is a great resource if you're a parent like me who didn't know where to turn for answers. It is ideal for parents starting out in their search for help as all the information is in one place and easy to access.

I firmly believe that if the website was up and running when Anthony was younger, it would have saved two years of his educational life. I am delighted to have found such a useful resourse and I urge all parents to log on to www.talkingpoint.org.uk and take a look.

Best wishes

Liz Hornby

Your views and comments

"Louis is 2yrs 3mnths he is my third child and has a younger brother of 9 mnths. Lou is very slow to talk he's had his hearing checked, it was fine. I talk to him all day but he has very few words for his age. He can however reproduce all the important sounds such as sh ch t m d etc. Has anyone got any advice on how to get Lou to talk? - Gabrielle

"My 5 year old son has just been diagnosed with oral dyspraxia. he has already been having speak therapy for 2 1/2 years and has made no progress. if he does not make progrees over the next 6 months he will have to go to a special language unit. my only problem is that we do not have an occupational thearapist local so will my son get enough help."

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