Approaches
There is no “one size fits all” to children and their learning styles and needs so I like to take a more flexible approach and combine a range of multi-modal aspects to supporting their communication including elements from the following;
Speech
Cued articulation (visual signs to help pronunciation/ speech sounds)
Kinaesthetic feedback e.g. using mirrors for speech sounds, visualisation
Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) or VERVE techniques (using filming to help develop parents/ carers skills in supporting their child’s communication and enhancing the communication environment through play)
Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme (developing speech sounds)
Resources produced by Carrie Hughes – Independent Speech and Language Therapist
Language
Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) or VERVE techniques (using filming to help develop parents/ carers skills in supporting their child’s communication and enhancing the communication environment through play)
Makaton (signed support of key words to reinforce understanding / expression)
Colourful Semantics (using colour coding to help understanding, develop narrative and structure to language)
Visualising and verbalising
Language Choices (helping develop appropriate and well structured narratives when talking)
A range of commercially available resources e.g.
Auditory Memory / Attention and Listening
Active Listening for Active Learning
Makaton (signed support to gain attention)
Sensory warm up techniques to aid attention / movement breaks
Social Communication
Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) or VERVE techniques (using filming to help develop parents/ carers skills in supporting their child’s communication and enhancing the communication environment through play)
TEACCH (creating the right environment using visuals and organisation to aid learning, particularly useful for those with social communication disorders)
Lego Therapy (supporting social communication and language skills)
Social Use of Language Programme (SULP)
Social Stories
Comic Strip conversation
A range of commercially available resources e.g. Talk About, Saying one thing meaning another, Language for Thinking, Looking and Thinking
Stammering / fluency
Lidcombe approach
Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) or VERVE techniques (using filming to help develop parents/ carers skills in supporting their child’s overall communication and fluency)
Desensitisation techniques
Michael Palin resources
Fluency-enhancing strategies
I also use Communicate In Print to make my own resources where appropriate.
If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Parent of 2.6 year old
"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your help. Not only have you helped A but you’ve hugely reassured me and taught me ways to help encourage A’s speech in the best possible way, so thank you so much! "