How to Help Non-Speaking Children in the Early Years

In every setting there are children who struggle to communicate. When they're not talking, or only using a handful of words, it can be hard to know how to help. In this book, you'll be encouraged to spot early moments of communication and respond with clarity. You'll find an invitation to stop doing and start noticing, to try new things and collaborate with the team around you. The book presents key concepts in bite-size chunks, with a wealth of real-life examples from speech therapy sessions and early years settings. It explores practical strategies to help children develop their foundational speech, language and communication skills, and includes fresh ideas to: · Build honest and supportive conversations with parents about communication needs · Value empathy and imagination as we tune in to each child's world · Take a pro-neurodiversity lens to inform your practice · Measure progress and support professional development. Communication is core to our sense of wellbeing, personal agency and belonging. With a focus on fostering joyful moments of connection, this book offers a fresh perspective and a dose of encouragement for all early years practitioners, speech and language therapists, SENCOs and key people looking to support positive communication development in the children in their care.

Bryony Rust, aka SaLT by the Sea, is a speech and language therapist sharing her own experiences of what works with young children, learned through years of providing therapy, training practitioners and collaborating with caregivers. Bryony is also a keynote speaker and clinical supervisor, helping others navigate the surprise delights and challenges of helping young children learn to talk. Working in close partnership with families, her focus is on valuing each child's unique contribution, fostering personal agency and a sense of belonging. To find out more, visit saltbythesea.com

CHAPTER 1. What this guide is and how it can help you. What we're aiming for (Help them learn it's worth the effort) Stop doing, start noticing (this is the hardest part) What to expect from this book CHAPTER 2. Expand your definition of communication. Speech, language and communication Talking isn't everything Always respond Understand why we bother Look out for opportunities Understand what's going on behind the scenes CHAPTER 3. Build relationships. Include everyone from the beginning Aim for a flat hierarchy Practise active listening Avoid fix-it mode Stay out of judgement Regulate to communicate Realise our shared humanity 'Celebrate with me' CHAPTER 4. Start from strength. Tell a story of hope Describe what the child can do Shift your language from disorder to difference Consider needs, not problems Trust in capacity CHAPTER 5. Let the child lead. Tune in to the child's point of interest Give it space Look for the invitations Directing vs. Responding Give attention to get attention Solutions for when it's hard: Allow it to look like 'nothing' Regulate to communicate Allow the play to look unexpected Avoid the toy trap CHAPTER 6. Choose your focus. Decide what's important A note on mindfulness Understand where the child's at Write goals for the adults, not the child Write SCRUFFY goals CHAPTER 7. A strategies list Allow yourself to do less Embrace the awkward silence Reflect the child Pay attention to the details Play with words Use big gestures Make your phrases sing Use sound effects Give, don't quiz Make it easy CHAPTER 8. Keep going. Imagine something different We're in the business of relationships The simple version Share with others Choose one thing Stick with it Embrace everything It's all in the noticing Useful links Bibliography Index