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Communication

Strategies for Alternative or Supplementary Communication

Teddy is non-verbal so we have had a long journey of Speech & Language therapy and he now

has the below resources to give him a voice and help him thrive

New Zealand Sign Language

NZSL is how Teddy expresses his more complex thoughts. We're just starting with the basics on this journey. From a young age, Theo used different gestures and hand movements to explain what he wanted. He was very patient, and his first sign for 'outside' was knocking his fists together lightly. Once we realized he was using smaller actions to relate to bigger concepts, we knew he was ready to learn a language using his hands: New Zealand Sign Language. Learn more about NZSL at nzsl.nz. Join us to learn and find more information on the page below.

Learn NZSL with Us

Augmented & Alternative
Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has been a vital tool in Teddy's journey, providing him with ways to express himself beyond spoken words. AAC includes various methods such as gestures, sign language, picture boards, and speech-generating devices, which supplement traditional speech to enhance communication. For Teddy, we use a tablet with an automated speech-generating device. This tool gives him access to larger concepts relevant to the school curriculum and daily life. We pair this with NZSL to provide him with an on-hand way to communicate using the gestures he has nurtured and learned throughout his life. AAC has opened new avenues for learning and interaction, allowing Teddy to convey his thoughts and needs more effectively.

Adjusting Needs

One of the most important lessons I've learned from our support team is to adjust to the child's needs. Teddy has been fortunate to have speech therapists who teach him through games, general play, and his love of the outdoors. A small note: find therapists who suit your family and child, and have relevant skills to support your specific communication goals. We've had many wonderful SLTs who developed great rapports with Theo. However, we've had to move on to therapists with different skills, such as a comprehensive understanding of NZSL and support for reading. Advocating often means making hard choices and finding resources that meet your family's needs. It's a journey that will constantly change, and that was one of my hardest lessons. Tailored games for Theo was paramount to his engagement, outside games can be learning too!

Supporting fine motor skills

Games that relate to the curriculum

Bjorem Speech Cards

Bjorem Speech Sound Cue Cards have been an invaluable resource in Teddy's communication toolkit. These cue cards are designed to visually represent different speech sounds, making it easier for children to understand and produce them. Each card features a unique, colorful illustration that corresponds to a specific sound, providing a fun and engaging way for Teddy to learn phonetics. By using these cards, Teddy can see the visual cue and relate it to the sound he needs to make, reinforcing his learning and helping him develop clearer speech patterns. Confusing at first! We will upload videos via blog and social media to show how we use them for verbal development.

NZSL Table

Augmented Comms Table