Milly’s Journey from Non-Verbal to Verbal Requests
When Milly first came to us at the age of 9, she was completely non-verbal. Her parents were deeply concerned about her ability to communicate even her basic needs and sought our help to find her voice. This is the story of Milly’s incredible progress over the past two years and the strategies that made a difference.
The Challenge
Milly's early communication challenges were significant. She was unable to verbally express her needs, which led to frustration for both her and her family. Her parents felt unable to connect with their daughter and found it tricky to figure out what she wanted, often having to guess her needs. This led to frequent misunderstandings and a sense of helplessness in their household. Eager to find effective ways to help her communicate, they turned to our speech pathology services for support.
Our Approach
As a speech pathologist, I am passionate about using personalised strategies to help each child achieve their communication goals. With Milly, we took a multi-step approach that evolved as her skills developed. We followed Milly’s lead and incorporated activities she enjoyed, such as colouring and watching YouTube videos. For example, we used binary choices to help her request colours during colouring activities and to ask for resuming the YouTube video. These activities kept her engaged and motivated to communicate.
Starting with Picture Communication Cards:
We began with picture communication cards to help Milly express her basic needs visually. These cards allowed her to give us the picture (a picture of water) to indicate what she wanted, which significantly reduced her frustration and provided her with a way to communicate.
Introducing the AAC Device:
After Milly became comfortable with picture communication, we introduced an Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. This technology enabled her to make more complex requests and communicate more effectively. The AAC device provided a bridge between non-verbal communication and verbal speech, giving her the tools to express herself more fully.
Transitioning to Verbal Communication:
With consistent practice and encouragement, Milly began to make verbal requests. We focused on helping her articulate simple phrases like “I want chips” and “I want water.” Over time, she expanded her vocabulary to include other everyday items and needs. This transition marked a significant milestone in her communication journey.
Repetition and consistency are key in any therapy. By regularly practicing new skills in a supportive environment, children like Milly can gradually build their communication abilities.
Celebrating Success
Today, Milly is almost 11 and can verbally request items and express her needs with phrases like “I want chips” and “I want water.” This incredible progress has boosted her confidence and brought immense joy to her family. Milly’s journey from non-verbal to verbal communication highlights the effectiveness of a personalized, step-by-step approach in speech therapy.
For Milly's family, this progress has been life-changing. Mum and Dad no longer need to guess what she wants, as Milly can now use her words to express her needs. She has also developed the ability to say "yes" and "no" consistently, allowing her to accept or reject food items and other choices. This newfound ability to communicate has eased daily routines and significantly reduced frustration for everyone involved.
Testimonials from Milly's Family
Milly’s mum shares, "Seeing Milly ask for what she wants in her own words is something we never thought possible a couple of years ago. We no longer have to play guessing games, and Milly is so much happier and more confident." Milly’s dad adds, "It's amazing to see how much more relaxed she is now that she can tell us what she needs. It has made a huge difference in our daily lives."
Milly’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, personalised therapy, and the unwavering support of her loving family. Through the use of picture communication cards, an AAC device, and consistent practice, Milly has made remarkable strides in her ability to communicate.
Here are some Tips for Other Parents
Start Early: Early intervention is crucial. The sooner you start, the earlier communication difficulties can be identified.
Be Patient: Progress can be slow, but consistency and patience are key.
Use Visual Aids: Picture cards and visual aids can be very helpful in bridging the gap between non-verbal and verbal communication.
Encourage Communication: Celebrate every attempt your child makes to communicate, whether it's through pictures, devices, or words.
Create a Supportive Environment: Regularly practice communication skills in a supportive and encouraging setting to help your child build confidence.
As a speech pathologist, I am committed to helping children like Milly find their voice. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech and language development, consider joining us today. Together, we can create your success story. Contact us today to learn more about our strategies and how we can support your child’s journey.
Note: "Milly" is an alias used to protect the privacy of the client.
