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Communication Physiotherapy

Communication is vital for engaging with people and making friends. This can be difficult for individuals who are diverse communicators. Our team is skilled in teaching movements that can be used to communicate. We work closely with your child's speech pathologist who prescribes and guides your family through the use of an augmentative and alternative communication device. 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Many children who are non-verbal require the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in order to communicate their thoughts, opinions and interact with the people around them. A speech pathologist is involved in assessing your child to determine whether this method is appropriate and prescribing the appropriate device. In order to access AAC to communicate, your child can use their hands, their head, their eyes. This all requires movement and a high degree of control for a child who already has difficulties moving and learning. Our physiotherapists are able to work with the child  and with their speech pathologist to teach the movement that is required in order to communicate. This may include teaching your child the following: 

  • Head movement to indicate Yes/No
  • Control of the shoulder, arm, wrist and hand to directly access a communication book/device. 
  • Learning how to stabilise in a range of positions to consistently access their communication book/device. 
  • Strengthening neck and shoulder muscles to stabilise the head.
  • Stability and posture to assist with eye gaze, partner assisted scanning and switching technology. 
  • Problem solving posture and positioning with parents to assist your child to communicate in a range of positions and environments. 
  • Strategies to assist your child to learn the motor patterns require to communicate in their preferred method of communication. 

The movement to access AAC is a different skill to learn than the language of the system. Our physiotherapists work closely with your child's speech pathologist so they can focus on teaching your child the language component whilst we assist the child with gaining the strength and stability to learn the movement.