Communication Therapy & AAC
Every child deserves a way to be heard — with or without speech.
Suitable for ages 18 months – 18 years
Overview
When speech is not yet functional, communication should not wait. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) — picture exchange, communication boards, sign and speech-generating apps — gives a child a voice now and, contrary to a common myth, supports rather than replaces speech development.
We assess motor, visual and cognitive access, trial systems, train the family and school, and continue working on natural speech in parallel.
Signs your child may need this therapy
- Minimal or no functional speech beyond age three
- Communicates mainly by leading an adult by the hand
- Frequent frustration and behaviour outbursts
- Speech too unclear to be understood by most people
- Loss of speech due to illness or injury
- Understands far more than they can express
Benefits of Communication Therapy & AAC
- A reliable way to make requests and choices
- Substantial reduction in frustration behaviours
- Increased vocalisation and speech attempts
- Participation in classroom activities
- Stronger parent-child connection
- Independence in everyday choices
Treatment process
- STEP 1
Speech and language assessment
A 60-minute evaluation of receptive language, expressive language, articulation, oral-motor structures, fluency, voice and social communication, with parent interview and play observation.
- STEP 2
Diagnosis and goal setting
We explain exactly where your child sits against age expectations and agree on functional communication goals — first words, two-word phrases, clearer /s/ and /r/, smoother speech.
- STEP 3
Customised therapy plan
Approaches are matched to the child: Hanen-style parent coaching for toddlers, minimal pairs or cycles for articulation, PECS or AAC where speech is not yet functional.
- STEP 4
Weekly sessions
45-minute one-to-one sessions, 2–3 times per week for early intervention, in a distraction-controlled therapy room with live modelling for parents.
- STEP 5
Parent training and home practice
You receive weekly home activities that fit into daily routines — bath time, mealtimes, the drive to school — because 15 focused minutes a day outperforms an hour once a week.
- STEP 6
Progress monitoring
Word counts, intelligibility ratings and language sample analysis are re-measured monthly, with a written progress report every quarter.
FAQ
Communication Therapy & AAC — your questions answered
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Not sure where to start? Begin with an assessment.
One hour with our team gives you a clear picture of your child's development and a written plan you can act on — whether or not you continue therapy with us.