Communication involves making a connection with someone in order to effectively get your message across (verbally and non-verbally), and to be able to interpret your communication partner (verbally and non-verbally). Early indications that children are having difficulties with communication may include: decreased attention to faces/eye contact/social smiling/back and forth babbling/responding to name and delayed understanding and use of pointing.

​

Speech therapy plans are individually considered according to the needs and wishes of the child and family, but in the early stages may include approaches such as Hanen* and PECS*

​

As significant communication difficulties form the core of diagnosable conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, a speech therapy evaluation can provide insight to parents as to whether a further, full evaluation led by a Consultant-Paediatrician/Psychologist is advised.  

​

*certified trained Hanen practitioner    

*certified trained PECS practitioner (protocol developed by Pyramid Educational Consultants known as the Picture Exchange Communication System)